Hours after President Donald Trump withdrew her nomination for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Rep. Elise Stefanik from New York spoke out, emphasizing teamwork and leadership. In an interview on Thursday night, she attributed the decision to a mix of challenges, including "the New York corruption" in the special election process and the House GOP’s slim majority.
"This is about stepping up as a team," Stefanik said during her appearance on Fox News. She expressed her commitment to helping the Republican Party achieve its goals and deliver significant results.
Stefanik, who had previously advanced through a confirmation hearing and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, never received a final vote in the Senate. Her nomination faced delays as New York Governor Kathy Hochul was reported to be slowing the special election process. The House GOP is currently managing a tight majority, with 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats.
Earlier on Thursday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had asked Stefanik to remain in Congress to support his "America First Agenda," which includes priorities like tax cuts and border security. He noted that he did not want to risk losing her seat to another candidate, stating that there are "others that can do a good job at the United Nations."
Trump also mentioned that House Speaker Mike Johnson was pleased with the decision and indicated that Stefanik would return to the House Leadership Team. Although she previously held the role of House GOP Conference chair, that position is now occupied by Rep. Lisa McClain. Johnson has expressed his intention to welcome Stefanik back into leadership but did not specify her new role.
In her interview, Stefanik highlighted that there is "good news" for her constituents, as she will now have more freedom to speak on issues without the constraints of a pending confirmation. She also hinted at her future plans, including a focus on holding higher education accountable and continuing her work in national security.
Stefanik’s decision to step back from the UN nomination reflects her commitment to her constituents and the Republican agenda, as the party prepares for upcoming special elections and seeks to solidify its position in Congress.