Trump pulls Stefanik nomination for U.N. ambassador because of thin GOP House majority
President Trump on Thursday said he is withdrawing his nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to be ambassador to the United Nations.
Stefanik’s nomination had been expected to easily clear the Senate — but Republicans are concerned about holding on to their thin majority in the House of Representatives. Republicans currently hold 218 seats and Democrats 213 seats. Four seats are currently vacant — two are considered safe GOP seats and two are considered safe Democratic seats. But off-year special elections can bring surprises.
“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress,” Trump wrote in an announcement Thursday on Truth Social. He continued, “I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
Before her nomination, Stefanik was the highest-ranking woman serving as a Republican in the House of Representatives. After the nomination, House Republicans elected Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain to succeed Stefanik as conference chair.
Trump said Stefanik would “rejoin the House Leadership Team,” but did not detail in what capacity. In a post on X, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he would invite Stefanik “to return to the leadership table immediately,” but did not say more about her role.
Stefanik was a strong defender of Trump during his 2019 impeachment hearings — and also attracted attention for grilling college presidents during congressional hearings on antisemitism on college campuses.
In February, Johnson publicly acknowledged in remarks to the America First Policy Institute that he needed Stefanik to stay in the House to make sure he had enough votes to pass a budget resolution, although he did support her nomination for the cabinet position.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., responded to Trump’s announcement by saying the decision to withdraw the nomination was an acknowledgement that Republicans would be vulnerable if there was a special election to replace Stefanik.
“The Republican agenda is extremely unpopular, they are crashing the economy in real time and House Republicans are running scared,” Jeffries said in a statement. “What happened to their so-called mandate?”
Baseline knowledge: Where tennis comes from and how the game has changed
Recent years have seen an upswing in people playing tennis (or at least dressing like it). But it's not just a phase. The sport — at least some version of it — has been around since medieval times.
After quitting antidepressants, some people suffer surprising, lingering symptoms
The symptoms can include nerve pain, emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction and can last for years after stopping the drugs. Patients are pushing for recognition and more research.
How a broken nose kickstarted Diego Luna’s star-making run with the USMNT
The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder, with his bleached hair and dozens of tattoos, stands out on the soccer field. But it's his attitude that has won praise from his coach, teammates and fans.
Confused about where things stand with Trump’s tariffs? Here’s a handy primer
President Trump has announced — but postponed the effective date for — higher tariffs once again. Here's what to know about the latest on his tariff policy.
In Texas, a major search effort is being led by the father of a flood victim
In Kerr County, Texas, Thad Heartfield is leading nearly 100 volunteers searching for flood victims. For him, this mission is personal. His son and three of his son's friends disappeared in the flood.
Canceled grants get the spotlight at a Capitol Hill ‘science fair’
On Tuesday, scientists held an event organized by House Democrats in which they stood in front of posters outlining their work — and the federal cuts that now threaten it.
