Associated Press
The White House has withdrawn U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a stunning turnaround for President Donald Trump’s Cabinet pick after her confirmation had been stalled over concerns about Republicans’ tight margins in the House.
Trump confirmed the decision in a Truth Social post on Thursday, saying that it was “essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress.”
“We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and 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,” he said.
Trump had tapped Stefanik, a New York Republican, to represent the U.S. at the international body shortly after winning reelection in November. She was seen as among the least controversial Cabinet picks, and her nomination advanced out of committee in late January, but House Republicans’ razor-thin majority kept her ultimate confirmation in a state of purgatory for the last several months.
It had seemed as if Stefanik’s nomination would advance to the Senate floor in recent weeks, given two U.S. House Special Elections in Florida in districts that Trump easily won in 2024. Filling those vacant GOP seats would have allowed Stefanik to finally resign from the House and given Republicans, who currently hold 218 seats, a little more breathing room on passing legislation in a growingly divided Congress. Democrats hold 213 seats.
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Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
9 comments
Michael K
March 27, 2025 at 2:52 pm
Let the defections begin!
The Musk/Trump GOP brand is losing luster.
Peachy
March 27, 2025 at 3:28 pm
You just revealed how dumb you are.
Skeptic
March 27, 2025 at 3:12 pm
Have Elon and Donald written off both Florida house seats, or only one? Who would have guessed two months ago that the Trump/Musk team would have sought unpopularity so extreme that they could lose the Gaetz or Waltz seats? But now they are terrified of their handiwork which could result in an immediate loss of control of the chamber.
Peachy
March 27, 2025 at 3:29 pm
I’ll bet lots and lots of money against you that Gaetz’s seat remains deep red.
Skeptic
March 27, 2025 at 3:43 pm
I guess remedial reading will suit you well. If you read the above, I questioned whether they thought they would lose one or two seats. As you will learn in your class, I did not express an opinion as to how many they would lose. My opinion is that it is hysterical to watch them running scared after they unleashed Frankenstein. To put you at ease, I think MAGA mania will keep good faith and fair dealing in check — the only loser here will be Elise (and, of course, America).
Peachy
March 27, 2025 at 3:55 pm
I read fine. You said they might lose the Gaetz seat. Are you doing the Demo spin maneuver now? That seat will remain red. I will place my bet. Place yours.
Skeptic
March 27, 2025 at 10:43 pm
I’m not a gambling addict. I realize that in Florida, I am cutting into the revenue base, but a probability and statistics major in college prevents me from joining your foolishness.
Phil Morton
March 28, 2025 at 2:03 am
The fact that Democrats are still within striking distance in CD 1 at this late stage of the election is a testament to the abject failure of this administration. The possibility of a Dem win is slim but it’s still there.
Michael K
March 27, 2025 at 4:13 pm
It’s simple math. They do not have the votes. There is a sense of panic – otherwise the WH would not withdraw. And Stefanic seat is close to Canada, and upstate is not feeling the love from Trump tariffs and damage to a good neighbor / partner. In other words, self inflicted wounds with no room for error.
Embarrassing as her staff is already at the. UN. Ooopsie!