Who Is Elise Stefanik?

My VIP for this week is Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York because she is a team player rather than looking for her own glory. Blaze News reported that Stefanik withdrew her nomination on Thursday to be the United States ambassador to the United Nations. Her reason? President Donald Trump asked her to withdraw her nomination in order to strengthen the Republican majority in the U.S. House. 

During the November 2024 election, Republicans retained control of the House, but their margin was decreased. Then, President-elect Trump pulled several members of the House into his cabinet. Another problem is that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (Democrat) sent out signals of her intention to “slow-walk Stefanik’s replacement if she left her seat.” In Trump’s statement on Truth Social, he praised Stefanik’s sacrifice.

‘Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People.’ …

“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is 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,” wrote Trump.

He went on to say that he asked Stefanik to remain in Congress to maintain the “tight” majority.

“I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat,” he added. “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 of the House Mike Johnson “confirmed that Trump pulled the nomination and Stefanik agreed with the decision.” Johnson went on to explain that Republicans hold “a razor-thin House majority” in the House. “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.”

Cami Mondeaux at The Deseret News added valuable information to the discussion when she wrote the following. 

The decision marks a blow to Stefanik, who has waited patiently for months to be confirmed to Trump’s Cabinet after having her nomination advanced out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January. However, the White House has slow-walked a final vote for her confirmation amid a historically slim GOP majority in the House, which has left Republicans with only a one-vote margin.