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  • Trump Withdraws Stefanik's UN Ambassador Nomination, Prioritizing House Majority

    Trump Withdraws Stefanik's UN Ambassador Nomination, Prioritizing House Majority
    2025/05/29
    In a significant development, President Donald Trump has withdrawn Representative Elise Stefanik's nomination for United Nations Ambassador. The decision, announced in late March 2025, comes after months of consideration and advancing through initial approval stages.

    Trump cited the GOP's slim majority in the House of Representatives as the primary reason for withdrawing Stefanik's nomination. "With a very tight Majority, I don't want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise's seat," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day. There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations."

    The North Country congresswoman, who has represented New York's 21st Congressional District for a decade, had become the third-highest ranking Republican in the chamber and one of Trump's most vocal supporters before being tapped for the UN position in November 2024. Her nomination initially advanced through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on January 30, 2025.

    Concerns about maintaining the Republican majority in the House played a crucial role in this decision. Republicans currently hold 218 seats compared to Democrats' 213, with four vacant seats. Party leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, had been involved in discussions about Stefanik's nomination as awareness grew about the potential impact of losing her seat.

    There were also worries that New York Governor Kathy Hochul might delay scheduling a special election if Stefanik vacated her seat, potentially leaving it open for an extended period. This situation would further reduce the already narrow Republican majority in the House.

    During her confirmation hearing in January, Stefanik had emphasized the need for UN reform and increased American leadership in the organization. She highlighted concerns about China's expanding global influence and discussed the importance of addressing ongoing crises in the Middle East, Sudan, and Haiti.

    As a staunch Trump loyalist, Stefanik had been expected to press for the president's "Peace through Strength" mandate at the UN. She has been a vocal critic of what she described as "four years of catastrophically weak U.S. leadership" and has called for a "complete reassessment of U.S. funding of the United Nations."

    With Stefanik now remaining in Congress, she will continue her role as a key Republican voice in the House rather than representing American interests at the international body. Trump indicated that he would identify another candidate for the UN ambassador position as his administration continues to take shape.
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    3 分
  • Withdrawn UN Nomination: Trump Keeps Stefanik in Congress for Tight House Majority

    Withdrawn UN Nomination: Trump Keeps Stefanik in Congress for Tight House Majority
    2025/05/27
    In a surprising turn of events, the Trump administration has withdrawn Representative Elise Stefanik's nomination to become the United States ambassador to the United Nations. President Donald Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform in late March 2025, citing concerns over the slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

    Trump stated in his announcement, "I have asked Elise, one of my biggest allies, to remain in Congress. With a very tight Majority, I don't want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise's seat." He emphasized that "the people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day" while noting that "there are others that can do a good job at the United Nations."

    The decision came after growing concerns among House Republicans that losing Stefanik's seat could potentially shift the balance of power in the lower chamber. Additionally, there were worries that New York Governor Kathy Hochul might delay a special election to fill Stefanik's seat, leaving it vacant for an extended period.

    Stefanik, who represents New York's North Country, has served in the House for a decade and had risen to become the third-highest ranking Republican in the chamber. Her political journey has been marked by a significant transformation from an initial critic of Trump to one of his most vocal defenders, particularly during his first impeachment hearings.

    Prior to the withdrawal, Stefanik had been actively preparing for the UN role. In early March, she delivered an address at the Anti-Defamation League's "Never Is Now" Summit on combating antisemitism, where she promised that as UN ambassador she would not only "defund UNRWA" (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) but would "totally dismantle it." She criticized the agency as a "pro-Hamas terrorist front group."

    Stefanik has been outspoken in her criticism of the United Nations, arguing it needs significant reform and condemning what she has called "antisemitic rot" within the organization. Her nomination had signaled a potential shift toward a tougher U.S. stance on international matters under the Trump administration.

    Before the nomination was pulled, the Senate Foreign Relations committee had been expected to advance Stefanik's nomination, with confirmation likely to follow with potential bipartisan support.

    With this development, Stefanik will continue to serve her New York district in Congress for at least another year, maintaining her position as a key Trump ally in the legislative branch rather than representing U.S. interests at the United Nations.
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  • Elise Stefanik's Withdrawn U.N. Ambassador Nomination: Navigating the GOP's Political Landscape

    Elise Stefanik's Withdrawn U.N. Ambassador Nomination: Navigating the GOP's Political Landscape
    2025/05/25
    In recent days, Elise Stefanik has been at the center of major political developments surrounding the position of U.S. Representative to the United Nations. Stefanik, a prominent Republican congresswoman from New York and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was initially nominated by the Trump administration earlier this year for the coveted post of U.N. ambassador. The nomination was widely seen as a strategic move, signaling a potential shift toward a more assertive U.S. approach at the United Nations, especially on contentious international issues such as U.S. policy toward Israel and funding for U.N. agencies.

    Stefanik’s trajectory within the Republican Party has been marked by her transition from a moderate stance to becoming one of Trump’s staunchest defenders, particularly during his impeachment hearings and following the 2020 presidential election. This loyalty bolstered her standing in the party, culminating in her rapid rise to House Republican Conference chair. Her nomination as U.N. ambassador was anticipated to reinforce the Trump administration’s increasingly combative diplomatic posture at the United Nations, with particular focus on countering what she characterized as anti-Israel bias and advancing a tougher line on international organizations she argued had grown hostile to U.S. interests.

    However, in a dramatic turn, the White House withdrew Stefanik’s nomination in late March. The decision was driven by mounting concerns within Republican leadership about the party’s narrow majority in the House of Representatives. With Stefanik holding a critical seat, party leaders, including President Trump, reportedly concluded that her departure for the U.N. role could jeopardize their majority by triggering a special election in a politically competitive district. Trump publicly confirmed the withdrawal, citing the need for stability and continuity in the House, and praised Stefanik as a vital asset whose ongoing presence was important for the party’s legislative agenda and upcoming electoral prospects.

    In the wake of this decision, Stefanik remains in Congress, where she continues to serve as a key figure in House GOP leadership and participates actively in congressional oversight and constituent services. Her recent public remarks and congressional initiatives have maintained a focus on issues such as combating antisemitism, promoting conservative priorities in education, and advocating for U.S.-Israel relations. Notably, her comments at major events like the Anti-Defamation League’s summit underscored her commitment to challenging antisemitism on the global stage and called for sweeping changes in U.S. engagement with U.N. agencies deemed to be hostile or ineffective.

    With the nomination now withdrawn, attention has shifted to who will be selected next for the U.N. ambassador role. Several names with significant diplomatic experience have emerged as potential candidates, though many have declined interest. The selection process is expected to continue drawing scrutiny, as both the White House and Congress weigh the political and diplomatic implications of the appointment. Meanwhile, Elise Stefanik’s prominent voice and leadership are set to remain highly influential within Congress and the broader national political landscape.
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  • Elise Stefanik's UN Ambassador Nomination Withdrawn: Impact on GOP Agenda

    Elise Stefanik's UN Ambassador Nomination Withdrawn: Impact on GOP Agenda
    2025/05/22
    In recent news, Elise Stefanik, the influential Republican congresswoman from New York, was at the center of a significant political development involving her potential appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump nominated Stefanik for the prestigious UN ambassadorship, a move seen as both recognition of her loyalty and an indicator of a tougher U.S. approach on international issues, particularly regarding the United Nations’ handling of matters related to Israel and U.S. funding for the organization. Stefanik’s nomination was also an extension of her evolution from a moderate Republican to a prominent Trump ally, having gained national attention through her staunch defense of the former president during impeachment hearings and later objecting to the certification of the 2020 election.

    During her Senate confirmation hearing in January, Stefanik outlined her vision for advancing U.S. interests at the UN. She emphasized the importance of strong American leadership, calling for increased transparency and accountability within UN programs, and advocating for a greater American presence at all levels of the organization. Stefanik’s remarks reflected her long-standing criticism of the UN's response to various international crises and her pledge to counteract efforts by adversarial countries, especially China, to expand their influence in global governance.

    In the weeks following her nomination, Stefanik also delivered a high-profile address at the Anti-Defamation League’s “Never Is Now” summit, the world’s largest gathering focused on combating antisemitism. In her speech, she condemned the recent surge in antisemitic violence and rhetoric, both domestically and internationally, and promised to take decisive action at the UN if confirmed. She specifically vowed to defund and dismantle UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which she accused of having ties to terrorist activities against Israel.

    Despite the momentum, the political calculus in Washington shifted abruptly in late March. President Trump announced the withdrawal of Stefanik’s nomination, citing the razor-thin Republican majority in the House of Representatives and the strategic importance of keeping Stefanik in Congress. With special elections in New York closely controlled by party leaders and concerns that the state governor could delay filling her seat, Trump decided that retaining Stefanik’s legislative influence outweighed the benefits of her representing the U.S. at the UN. He publicly praised Stefanik as one of his most reliable allies and expressed confidence that others could serve effectively in the ambassadorship.

    As a result, Elise Stefanik will continue her role as a leading House Republican, retaining her influence on national security, foreign policy, and conservative priorities. While her advocates had anticipated a new era of U.S. leadership at the United Nations shaped by her approach, the focus for now remains on her continued impact in Congress, where she will likely persist in championing both global and domestic policy issues aligned with her party’s evolving agenda.
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    3 分
  • Elise Stefanik's Withdrawn UN Nomination Highlights GOP's Congressional Calculus

    Elise Stefanik's Withdrawn UN Nomination Highlights GOP's Congressional Calculus
    2025/05/20
    Recent attention around Elise Stefanik, the New York congresswoman who was nominated to serve as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, took a dramatic turn in late March 2025. Although President Donald Trump had tapped Stefanik for the prestigious post earlier in the year—signaling a tougher, more combative U.S. approach to the United Nations, particularly on issues like Israel and funding for UN agencies—the nomination was abruptly withdrawn just weeks later.

    President Trump announced the withdrawal publicly, explaining that the Republican Party’s narrow majority in the House of Representatives was a decisive factor. Trump emphasized his desire to avoid risking Stefanik's seat, stating that with such slim numbers, her continued presence in Congress is crucial for the GOP’s control of the chamber. This move reflected wider concern within Republican ranks that filling her seat through a special election could be strategically challenging given New York’s process, where candidates are selected by party officials rather than through a primary, and where Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul could potentially delay proceedings, leaving the seat open and the GOP at risk.

    Stefanik has represented her North Country district in Congress for a decade, steadily rising in prominence. Once known as a moderate, she transformed into a key ally of Trump, vigorously defending him during both impeachment proceedings and the aftermath of the 2020 election. Her loyalty elevated her to the position of the third-highest-ranking Republican in the House and brought her national attention, especially among conservative voters.

    As ambassador-designate, Stefanik made headlines with remarks at the Anti-Defamation League’s summit, where she condemned the surge in antisemitic violence and pledged robust action at the United Nations. She criticized UN agencies, particularly UNRWA, for alleged ties with terrorist groups and promised to not only defund but also dismantle such organizations if confirmed. Her rhetoric echoed longstanding conservative criticisms of the United Nations as biased against U.S. allies like Israel, reflecting what would have been a significant shift in U.S. diplomacy under her leadership.

    With the withdrawal of her nomination, Stefanik remains focused on legislative priorities in the House. Her continued oversight work and advocacy on issues ranging from government transparency to combating antisemitism keep her in the national spotlight. The episode has reinforced her standing as a vital figure within the GOP and underscored the complex interplay between congressional politics and international diplomacy at a time of heightened partisanship and global uncertainty. As the election season intensifies, Stefanik’s trajectory will remain a subject of national interest, both for her pivotal role in Congress and for her influence on the Republican Party’s direction in foreign and domestic policy.
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  • Trump Withdraws Stefanik's UN Ambassador Nomination, Keeps Her in House

    Trump Withdraws Stefanik's UN Ambassador Nomination, Keeps Her in House
    2025/05/15
    In a surprising turn of political events, President Donald Trump has withdrawn Representative Elise Stefanik's nomination to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The announcement came on March 27, 2025, when Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he had asked Stefanik to remain in Congress instead of taking up the diplomatic post.

    The decision appears to be primarily motivated by concerns over the slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Trump stated, "With a very tight Majority, I don't want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise's seat." He emphasized that "The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day."

    Stefanik, who represents New York's 21st congressional district and is currently serving her sixth term, was one of the first individuals selected for a position in Trump's administration following his re-election in November. She has established herself as one of Trump's staunchest supporters over the years, even referring to herself as "Ultra-MAGA."

    While the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had advanced her nomination for the ambassador position, Stefanik's confirmation by the full Senate had been delayed for months. A confirmation vote had been scheduled for April 2, 2025, but will no longer take place.

    Trump indicated that Stefanik would rejoin the House leadership team and "continue to fight for our amazing American People." House Speaker Johnson expressed his enthusiasm about this development, calling Stefanik "deeply devoted to her country" and stating that he would "invite her to return to the leadership table immediately." Stefanik had previously served as Republican conference chair in the last Congress.

    Prior to the withdrawal, Stefanik had already held farewell events across her North Country district and had been posting retrospectives of her work in the region on social media. Both political parties had been preparing for a special election for her seat. Democrats had nominated St. Lawrence County dairy farmer Blake Gendebien, while Republicans had not yet selected their candidate. Gendebien has indicated he will continue his candidacy into the general election in 2026.

    During her confirmation hearing with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January, Stefanik had emphasized the importance of UN reform and American leadership in global affairs. She stated that "the world is looking for us to lead" and stressed the need for the U.S. to maintain its position in UN decision-making spaces.

    Trump concluded his announcement by noting that "There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations" and that he looks forward to the day when Stefanik might join his administration in the future.
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    3 分
  • "Stefanik Withdraws UN Ambassador Nomination: GOP Seeks Congressional Majority Amid Trump's Second Term"

    "Stefanik Withdraws UN Ambassador Nomination: GOP Seeks Congressional Majority Amid Trump's Second Term"
    2025/05/13
    In a surprising turn of events, Elise Stefanik will not become the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, despite being nominated by President Donald Trump following his reelection in November. On March 27, 2025, Trump announced he was withdrawing Stefanik's nomination, citing the necessity of maintaining Republican seats in Congress where the party currently holds a razor-thin majority.

    The New York Republican's nomination had been in limbo for months after advancing out of committee in late January. House Republicans' slim majority of 218 seats compared to Democrats' 213 made Stefanik's departure from Congress potentially problematic for passing legislation.

    In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump emphasized unity in accomplishing their mission, stating, "Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning. I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress." The president has not yet named a replacement nominee for the UN Ambassador position, which remains the last unfilled Cabinet seat in his administration.

    Speaker of the House Mike Johnson praised Stefanik as "selfless" and "patriotic" following the announcement. However, her future role in House leadership remains uncertain. While Trump indicated she would rejoin the House Leadership Team, Johnson stated on Tuesday that all leadership posts are currently filled.

    The decision has prompted mixed reactions in New York's 21st district, which Stefanik represents. Susan McNeil, Fulton County Republican Chair, expressed both disappointment and relief: "I'm thrilled she's staying, I'm saddened that she's not our ambassador yet."

    Prior to the withdrawal of her nomination, Stefanik had been active in her ambassador-designate role. On March 3, she delivered an address at the Anti-Defamation League's "Never Is Now" Summit on combating antisemitism. During this speech, she promised that as UN Ambassador, she would not only defund UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) but would "totally dismantle it," calling it a "pro-Hamas terrorist front group."

    Stefanik has made a significant impact in her congressional district, including helping the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department secure $4.5 million for a new emergency services building. This action earned her support across party lines, with Rick Yorkey, a Democrat and head of the department, stating, "She did actually come here when we asked her to, that was big and she put in the time and looked at the buildings here and secured that money for us. I don't know if too many others would have done that."

    The withdrawal reflects growing concern among House Republicans that their historically slim majority could be at risk, particularly with two special elections in Florida approaching. The loss of even a few seats could shift the House majority to Democrats and potentially derail the Trump administration's legislative agenda.
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    3 分
  • Elise Stefanik's UN Ambassador Nomination Withdrawn Amid Tight House Majority

    Elise Stefanik's UN Ambassador Nomination Withdrawn Amid Tight House Majority
    2025/05/11
    Elise Stefanik's nomination to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations has been withdrawn. President Donald Trump announced the decision on March 27, 2025, citing concerns about the slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

    Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social, writing, "I have asked Elise, one of my biggest allies, to remain in Congress." He emphasized that with the tight majority, he didn't want to risk losing her seat. "The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day. There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations," Trump stated.

    The withdrawal comes after nearly two months of delay in the Senate vote on her ambassadorship nomination, which had already been recommended by the Foreign Relations Committee. The concern stemmed from the fact that Republicans currently hold only 218 seats in the House, compared to Democrats' 213 seats, making Stefanik's vote crucial for passing key legislation in Trump's agenda.

    The timing of the withdrawal is notable as it came just days before two special elections in Florida to replace Republican congressmen who left their seats to join the Trump administration. Additional concerns existed around the potential for New York Governor Kathy Hochul to delay a special election to fill Stefanik's seat if she had moved to the UN position.

    Before the nomination was withdrawn, Stefanik had already begun representing herself as the Ambassador-Designate to the United Nations. On March 3, she delivered an address at the Anti-Defamation League's "Never Is Now" Summit, which focuses on combating antisemitism. During this speech, she made strong statements about her intentions at the UN, including a promise to "not only just defund UNRWA, we will totally dismantle it," referring to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

    Stefanik, a New York Republican, remains a key ally for Trump in Congress, where she has been instrumental in advancing his legislative agenda since the beginning of his term in January. Her constituent service record includes responding to over 530,000 constituent inquiries and closing more than 15,000 constituent cases.

    The White House has not yet announced a new nominee for the UN ambassador position, though Trump indicated there are others who could fill the role effectively. For now, Stefanik continues her work in the House of Representatives, representing New York's 21st congressional district.
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    3 分