Trump withdraws UN envoy pick amid Congress majority fears

President Donald Trump withdrew his nomination of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday, citing the need to protect the Republican Party’s fragile majority in Congress.

Stefanik, a staunch Trump supporter and vocal advocate for Israel, became the second nominee to have their appointment rescinded, following Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration as attorney general due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining every Republican seat in the House of Representatives. “With a very tight majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat,” he stated on Truth Social. He further noted that Stefanik was popular with voters and ensured stability for the party in the upcoming elections.

Instead of joining the UN, Trump said he had asked Stefanik to remain in Congress and resume a leadership role, though he did not specify her exact position.

Republicans, who regained control of both the House and Senate in the 2024 election that returned Trump to the presidency, hold a razor-thin majority in the House—218 seats to the Democrats’ 213. This slim margin complicates efforts to pass key legislation.

The GOP is particularly focused on two upcoming special elections in Florida on April 1, which will determine replacements for Mike Waltz, now serving as Trump’s national security advisor, and Gaetz. While both districts historically lean Republican, polling suggests at least one race could be competitive, heightening concerns within the party.

Trump’s active involvement in these contests, including a virtual appearance at a candidate’s campaign event, underscores Republican unease. Their worries deepened after Democrats flipped a Pennsylvania state Senate seat on Tuesday in a district Trump had previously won.

Stefanik’s Controversial Stance on Israel and the UN
Stefanik, a former moderate who shifted further right under Trump, has been a fierce advocate for Israel and U.S. Jewish causes. Her confirmation hearing in January showcased her hardline views, as she condemned what she called the “anti-Semitic rot” within the United Nations.

She pushed for reforms to prevent American tax dollars from funding organizations that act “counter to American interests” or engage in corruption, fraud, or terrorism. Stefanik notably voted to cut U.S. funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), aligning with Trump’s previous decision to withhold financial support due to allegations of its involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack.

During the hearing, Stefanik also aligned herself with far-right Israeli politicians who claim Israel has a “biblical right to the entire West Bank.” However, she sidestepped direct questions on whether she supported Palestinian self-determination.

With Stefanik staying in Congress, Trump will need to select a new nominee for the UN post—one who aligns with his administration’s policies while ensuring no disruption to the Republican Party’s grip on the House.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.