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New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik has reported accepted President Donald Trump’s nomination to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Stefanik, 40, intends to lead with an America First approach that will also provide strong pro-Israel support to the global body.
“I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter,” Trump, 78, said in a statement to The New York Post Sunday night.
Stefanik accepted the nomination in statement within the same exclusive report.
“I am truly honored to earn President Trump’s nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,” Stefanik said. “During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate.”
Stefanik has been a strong pro-Trump ally and currently serves as the House’s number-four ranking Republican member. She also served on his defense team during his 2020 impeachment trial.
The New York congresswoman is expected to shake up the current American focus within the U.N. During his first term, Trump ordered an end to paying an annual $450 million U.S. contribution to the World Health Organization over controversies related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stefanik is also expected to push for strong support for Israel and to help change the situation with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine from Russia. Other foreign policy issues that served as problems during the Biden administration will also receive new attention, such as Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran and tensions between China and Taiwan.
The congresswoman will first need to be confirmed by the Senate. With the majority win of the Senate by Republicans, the nomination is expected to pass.
Once confirmed, Stefanik will replace the outgoing U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
The new role could, however, cause problems for the GOP in the House. It is expected to keep just a one or two-seat majority, meaning a special election for her seat would set up a major battle in 2025.
