White House Withdraws Stefanik’s UN Ambassador Nomination to Protect GOP House Majority -

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The White House has withdrawn Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, citing concerns over the Republican Party’s narrow majority in the House of Representatives.

President Donald Trump announced the decision on Thursday, stating that keeping Stefanik in Congress was crucial for advancing his administration’s agenda.

“The people love Elise, and with her in Congress, we have nothing to worry about on Election Day,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “There are others who can serve at the United Nations. Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue fighting for the American people.”

Unexpected Decision Stuns Capitol Hill

The sudden reversal has shaken Congressional Republicans, many of whom had expected Stefanik’s departure in the coming weeks. Some House GOP leaders had even begun making farewell arrangements, with one leader planning a farewell toast for Stefanik next week, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The move also caught members of the New York delegation off guard, as they were already strategizing for a special election to fill her seat. Trump acknowledged the risk of leaving the seat open, noting that he did not want to “take a chance” on the outcome, even though her district is heavily Republican.

Stefanik’s Future in House Leadership Unclear

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed gratitude for Stefanik’s decision to stay in Congress and pledged to find a new leadership role for her.

“It is well known Republicans have a razor-thin House majority, and Elise’s agreement to withdraw her nomination allows us to keep one of our toughest, most resolute members in place,” Johnson stated. “I will invite her to return to the leadership table immediately.”

However, her exact role remains uncertain, as Rep. Lisa McClain has already taken over Stefanik’s previous position as House GOP Conference Chair. A source close to McClain indicated that she has no intention of stepping down.

Political Ramifications for the GOP

Republicans currently hold a slim 218-213 majority in the House, with four vacant seats. Under these conditions, the GOP can only afford to lose two votes on party-line legislation without Democratic support.

This fragile majority has created challenges for Speaker Johnson, making it difficult to pass key Republican bills, including a tax cut package that Trump hopes to make a centerpiece of his legislative achievements.

With two special elections scheduled for Tuesday to fill vacant Republican seats, the party’s margin will remain tight even after those races are decided.

Democrats Seize on GOP Uncertainty

Democrats were quick to criticize the decision, portraying it as evidence of Republican weakness heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

“Republicans are running scared. What happened to their so-called mandate?” asked House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a statement.

House Majority PAC, a Democratic super PAC aligned with House leadership, also weighed in. “House Republicans are in a full-blown panic over their razor-thin majority, worrying about holding onto a seat that Trump won by 21%,” spokesperson Katarina Flicker said. “They know they’re in trouble in 2026.”

Senate Reaction to Stefanik’s Withdrawn Nomination

Senate Republicans acknowledged the political realities behind the move. Senate Majority Whip John Thune stated that while Stefanik “would have been a good UN ambassador,” the House’s tight margins made retaining her a strategic necessity.

Similarly, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch confirmed that he had been informed earlier on Thursday that Stefanik’s nomination was being withdrawn.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lisa Murkowski reacted with sarcasm, questioning why the White House had only now realized the impact of its decision on House dynamics.

A Sudden Shift in Stefanik’s Trajectory

Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally, was first nominated for the UN role shortly after the November 2024 election. She had even participated in at least one Cabinet meeting and had been holding public events in her New York district that local media had described as a “farewell tour.”

Despite her reduced role in Congress, Stefanik has stated she is “proud to be a team player.” Speaking to Fox News on Thursday evening, she reaffirmed her commitment to helping Republicans maintain control of the House and push forward Trump’s “America First” policies.

For now, Stefanik remains a key player in House Republican politics—just not in the role she, or many of her colleagues, had expected.

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