As we reported, New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations was withdrawn Thursday—but not because of scandal or worries that she wouldn’t get confirmed. No, it was because she and Team Trump decided that the GOP majority was too tight to take any risks with her crucial seat.
Earlier this year, we saw New York Democrats attempt to move back a special election for her spot and leave the seat open for as long as possible, an obviously corrupt move that would have kept things uncomfortably close. Luckily, the effort was scuttled after public and threats of lawsuits—but there are still concerns that leftwing Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul will attempt to slow-walk it.
Meanwhile, there are several elections in Florida coming up to replace both former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned in November, and former Rep. Mike Waltz, who has taken on the role of Trump’s National Security Advisor.
GOP leaders felt it was too chancy to put Stefanik’s seat at risk, so she’s staying put. She’s fully on board with the decision:
"I have been proud to be a team player. The president knows that. He and I had multiple conversations today, and we are committed to delivering results on behalf of the American people. And as always, I'm committed to delivering results on behalf of my constituents," Stefanik said on "Hannity" Thursday.
WATCH my interview with @kayleighmcenany on tonight’s @seanhannity 📺 pic.twitter.com/dFchfkDCxK
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) March 28, 2025
Read Related: Breaking: White House Pulls Elise Stefanik's Nomination to Be UN Ambassador
Trump made the announcement earlier Thursday on Truth Social, writing:
"I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s 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," he continued.
Stefanik is ready to continue serving despite the change of plans:
"The reality is…Democrats, as we see in New York State, it is totally corrupt," Stefanik claimed. "Kathy Hochul started threatening to move the ball on the election date. You see a highly, highly politicized radical left trying to do everything they can to defeat the president. And this is about stepping up as a team. And I am doing that as a leader to ensure that we can take hold of this mandate and deliver these historic results."
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is happy he can count on her, and she is expected to resume a leadership role in the House:
Elise 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. It is well known…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 27, 2025
Johnson’s tweet continues:
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. I will invite her to return to the leadership table immediately.
The GOP can take no chances—not when Trump’s agenda and the future of this country are at stake. This is a cautious move—though a smart one; there’s no reason to put the majority at risk when, as Trump says, somebody else can fill the ambassadorship for the time being. While Stefanik would have been a powerful force at the U.N. and may yet still be in the future, her time right now is best served in the House of Representatives.
Although we’re winning at the moment, the fight is far from over. Help continue the Trump momentum and erase the failures of the last four years of Biden malaise.
Consider becoming part of the RedState team and joining our VIP membership today. Use promo code FIGHT to get a whopping 60% off.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member