Donald Trump pulls Elise Stefanik nomination due to House majority concerns

President Donald Trump has officially rescinded the nomination of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as UN Ambassador today (Thursday) due to concerns about the razor-thin GOP majority in the House of Representatives.

In a post he wrote on TruthSocial, Trump said that "it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican seat in Congress" in order to advance the party's agenda.

The Republican party has just five seats more than the Democratic party following the 2024 federal election, and it temporarily lost an additional two seats due to the appointment of Congressman Mike Waltz and another to serve on his administration.

Running the House with an effective majority is just 2-3 has been very difficult and precarious, especially since special elections, even for "safe" seats, are expected to increasingly go more Democratic with a Republican in the White House. Furthermore, the election for Stefanik's seat is expected to take place months from now, leaving Speaker Johnson with even less room for maneuver than before.

Speaker Johnson released this statement on the matter on X:

"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 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."

Trump appeared to acknowledge as much in his statement, saying that he has asked Stefanik to stay in the House, "as one of my biggest Allies," to remain in Congress to deliver things like tax cuts, jobs, economic growth, energy dominance and more.

This decision is likely to come as a disappointment for Israel supporters, even as Trump said that "There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations."

Stefanik has a long record of pro-Israel activity, especially her grilling of Ivy League university presidents over antisemitic activity during the "tentifada" that broke out on college campuses following October 7 and the war in Gaza. In particular, Stefanik asked all three presidents whether calling for the genocide of Jews was grounds for discipline. Not one said yes.