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!”
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.