Republican Representative Elise Stefanik of New York joked on Thursday that the “good news” is she can “continue speaking out” now that she’s no longer under consideration to be the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations.
Newsweek reached out to the White House earlier Thursday for comment on President Donald Trump‘s decision to pull Stefanik’s nomination.
Why It Matters
Trump’s move to pull the New York lawmaker’s nomination comes as Republicans have a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives, where Stefanik served until Trump tapped her for UN ambassador.
The president’s decision also opens up a key diplomatic and foreign policy role in his administration as it continues to reshape U.S. policy toward both its allies, like Mexico and Canada, and rivals like China and Russia.
Stefanik’s open seat, meanwhile, sparked concerns among Republicans amid a spate of recent Democratic victories in special elections and as the Trump administration draws backlash over its steep tariffs and broad cuts to the federal bureaucracy.
What To Know
“You know, I’m going to continue speaking out,” Stefanik told Fox News‘ Kayleigh McEnany on Thursday evening. “The good news, Kayleigh, is because I am not pending confirmation, the American people will be hearing a lot more from me. Because you’re limited in what you can say when you are pending confirmation. So, I am glad to have joined Fox today.”
The New York congresswoman also praised Trump’s agenda and his “nearly perfect first few months” in office during his second term.
Stefanik added that it’s important she remain in the House of Representatives.
“It was a combination of the New York corruption that we’re seeing under Kathy Hochul, special elections and the House margin,” she told McEnany. “And, look, I’ve been in the House, it’s tough to count these votes every day. And we are going to continue to defy the political prognosticators, and … deliver victory on behalf of President Trump, and importantly, the voters across this country.”
Trump announced his decision to pull Stefanik’s nomination so she could stay in the House, in a post to Truth Social on Thursday.
“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress,” the president wrote. “We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning.”
Trump continued: “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.”
The president reiterated the GOP’s “tight majority” in the House, adding: “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. Therefore, Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People. Speaker Johnson is thrilled! I look forward to the day when Elise is able to join my Administration in the future. She is absolutely FANTASTIC. Thank you Elise!”
What People Are Saying
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on X, formerly Twitter on Thursday: “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.”
Johnson continued: “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.”
Democratic Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York on X on Thursday: “Was Stefanik’s failed bid for UN Ambassador worth selling out upstate NY’s healthcare? No. Is she worth re-electing after her ‘farewell’ tour? Also no. NY-21, you deserve so much better than someone who will gut your Medicaid & Medicare for their own career ambitions.”
Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman of New York in a statement sent to Newsweek on Thursday: “Donald Trump just nuked the nomination of Elise Stefanik because her novice political operation – the same one that masterminded George Santos’ candidacy – couldn’t guarantee a Republican win in a seat Trump won by more than 20 points last year.
“This comes two days after Republicans lost a Pennsylvania State Senate seat that they’ve held for decades and Trump won by 15 points,” Goldman said.
Goldman continued: “And it comes five days before the special election in Florida’s 6th Congressional district – a district Trump won by more than 30 points – that has Republicans scrambling because their guy is polling neck and neck with his Democratic challenger. If New York Republicans can’t be sure of winning a district they won by 20 points in November, then they should be a lot more worried about other seats they hold in battleground districts. If Representatives Nick Lalota, Mike Lawler, Andrew Garbarino and Nicole Malliotakis continue to vote to cut Medicaid and other essential government programs, they will pay the price in 2026.”
What Happens Next
Trump has not announced who he intends to replace Stefanik with as his UN Ambassador.
Update 3/27/25 10:16 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
The post Elise Stefanik Points Out ‘Good News’ In Trump Pulling Her Nomination appeared first on Newsweek.
