President-elect Donald Trump has chosen one of his staunchest allies in the House of Representatives for the top diplomatic post, naming Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) as ambassador to the United Nations.
President Trump acknowledged that choice. statement This was reported to the New York Post late Sunday.
“I am honored to appoint Speaker Elise Stefanik to my Cabinet as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter,” President Trump said.
CNN first reported Trump reportedly offered Stefanik the role.
The congressman, who is likely to be confirmed by the Republican-majority Senate, will be a belligerent figure at the United Nations and an extension of President Trump's “America First” foreign policy that encourages allies to contribute more to shared defense efforts and cooperation. You are expected to be an outspoken advocate. It takes a critical approach to key institutions such as the United Nations itself.
Stefanik's foreign policy and diplomatic experience is limited. She has served on the House Armed Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is an outspoken supporter of Israel;previously accusedDeems the United Nations “anti-Semitic.” Stefanik gave a speech in Jerusalem's parliament in May, pledging continued U.S. support for Israel.
Stefanik's choice could affect Mr. Trump's efforts to pass his policies in the House. Republicans are expected to win a very narrow majority, and if Stefanik vacates her seat and joins the government, that margin could temporarily shrink.
Stefanik, 40, was long seen as a rising star in the Republican Party, but has broken out in recent years as an outspoken Trump supporter. She fiercely defended Trump during his first impeachment in 2019, joined Republican leadership in 2021, and spoke out against anti-Semitism on campus after Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023 as president of the Ivy League I asked them tough questions.
She has served as chair of the House Republican Conference since 2021 and has represented New York's upstate Congressional District since 2015. When she was first elected, she was 30 years old, making her the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. She previously worked in President George W. Bush's White House.
The role of ambassador to the United Nations was held by Nikki Haley during President Trump's first term, followed by Kelly Craft. President Trump announced Saturday that Haley would not play a role in his second administration.
The congressman has spoken publicly about his desire to serve in the Trump administration, including shortly after Trump's election victory last week.
“He needs strong allies. I'm honored to have my name among them, but I'm willing to serve the president in any way he sees fit, including passing his agenda in Congress and serving in his administration.” I'm focused on that,” Stefanik said on New York City radio last week. show.
Updated at 7:26am EST
