WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to withdraw the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., for the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, according to a congressional source and another GOP insider familiar with the situation.
This decision arises amidst ongoing apprehensions about the slim Republican majority in the House as the party seeks to push forward Trump’s legislative initiatives.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, R-Idaho, stated that he was informed by the White House on Thursday regarding the withdrawal of Stefanik’s nomination.
“I was notified about this just moments ago,” Risch remarked on Thursday.
This unexpected turn of events represents a notable setback for Stefanik, a steadfast Trump supporter and an emerging leader in the party. Although she received favorable consideration from the Foreign Relations Committee at the end of January, her confirmation vote in the full Senate was never conducted.
CBS News was the first to report that Trump was contemplating the withdrawal of her nomination.
On Thursday, Stefanik showcased highlights from her decade-long congressional career on her Instagram stories. A House Republican associated with her mentioned that Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., had communicated to lawmakers about organizing a farewell party for Stefanik on Monday.
While nearly all other members of Trump’s Cabinet have been confirmed by the Senate, the upper chamber has delayed Stefanik’s confirmation for weeks due to concerns regarding the narrow Republican majority in the House. On multiple instances, both Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., have required her support to move Trump’s agenda forward.
On February 25, House Republicans passed a budget resolution with no votes to spare, a crucial step in starting the process to enact Trump’s extensive plans related to borders, energy, and taxes.
Additionally, just this month, the House narrowly approved a six-month GOP funding bill to prevent a government shutdown, placing Senate Democrats in a difficult position regarding the proposal.
In the months ahead, House Republicans will navigate another challenging process as they endeavor to pass their reconciliation package, which includes many of Trump’s campaign promises for 2024.
Republicans had anticipated that Stefanik would be smoothly confirmed by the Senate.
Frank Thorp V contributed.
