U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has withdrawn his nominee for U.N. ambassador over concerns about the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he had asked Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to remain in the House to secure the GOP’s 218-213 majority.
“As we advance our America First agenda, it is essential that we maintain every Republican seat in Congress,” the president wrote. “With a very tight majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat.”
Stefanik, who had stepped down as chair of the House Republican Conference in anticipation of the diplomatic post, will “rejoin the House leadership team,” Trump stated.
The congresswoman represents a solidly red district, but New York Democrats had given signals that they intended to slow-walk any special election to replace her. In February, New York Senate Democrats withdrew a bill that would have allowed the state’s Democratic governor to delay elections until November.
Trump’s decision to keep Stefanik in the House may also be influenced by Republican concerns about the upcoming special election in Florida’s 6th Congressional District to fill the vacant seat left by Mike Waltz, the U.S. national security advisor.
Though Trump won that district by 30 points, a recent poll has the race within the margin of error.
In past statements about the nomination, Stefanik emphasized her support for Israel and her desire to combat antisemitism at the United Nations. Those were consistent with her public statements as one of the most high-profile members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Trump did not state whom he intends to name as replacement for the U.N. role.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated that Stefanik “is truly a great leader and a devoted patriot.”
“Today’s selfless decision shows America what those of us who work with her already know. She is deeply devoted to her country and fully committed to see President Trump’s agenda succeed in Congress,” he stated. “It is well known Republicans have a razor-thin House majority, and Elise’s agreement to withdraw her nomination will allow us to keep one of the toughest, most resolute members of our conference in place to help drive forward President Trump’s America First policies.”
“There is no doubt she would have served with distinction as our ambassador to the United Nations, but we are grateful for her willingness to sacrifice that position and remain in Congress to help us save the country,” he added. “I will invite her to return to the leadership table immediately.”
