The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations after her confirmation had been stalled over concerns about the Republicans' tight margin in the House.
Trump confirmed the decision in a Truth Social post Thursday, saying 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," Trump wrote. "I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress."
Trump tapped Stefanik 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 confirmation hearing in a state of purgatory for the past 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 give Republicans, who currently hold a 218-213 majority, a little more breathing room on passing legislation.
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