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Jimmy Williams
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, opting for a loyal ally with limited foreign policy experience to represent the nation at the global body. Trump announced the selection on Monday, calling Stefanik a “strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.” The House Republican Conference Chair and close Trump ally has staunchly supported Trump’s policies throughout his presidency and was among the GOP members floated as a potential vice-presidential pick.
Stefanik’s appointment comes at a critical moment for U.S. relations within the United Nations, as the new ambassador will be tasked with navigating major global challenges, from ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza to nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea. Stefanik, who will need Senate confirmation, would succeed Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a seasoned diplomat who held the role under President Joe Biden.
Trump’s choice of Stefanik continues his trend of picking U.N. ambassadors with minimal diplomatic backgrounds. During his first term, he selected former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and later U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft for the position. Haley, who went on to challenge Trump in the GOP primaries, set a precedent for using the high-profile role as a platform for future political aspirations, a path Stefanik may consider as well.
“She wants to run for president in 2028,” John Bolton, former U.N. ambassador and Trump national security adviser, told the Associated Press. “She realizes she has no foreign policy experience, so what better way than to become U.N. ambassador?” Bolton remarked that this path mirrors Haley’s approach.
Stefanik, 40, has steadily positioned herself as a loyal Trump ally in Congress, endorsing him early in the 2024 race and gaining prominence for her fierce defense during his impeachment trials. Her recent high-profile questioning of university leaders over antisemitism on campuses garnered praise from Trump, who has praised her as a “brilliant, loyal fighter.”
Her public stance on foreign policy centers on vocal support for Israel, especially in light of the Israel-Hamas war. She has harshly criticized the United Nations and other international bodies, accusing them of antisemitism over their criticisms of Israel’s response in Gaza. Stefanik has also advocated for a “complete reassessment” of U.S. funding for the United Nations, pushing for a reduction in aid to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
Trump’s announcement of Stefanik for the U.N. post further solidifies his preference for loyalty over traditional foreign policy expertise. Unlike outgoing Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, who held a range of diplomatic roles, Stefanik’s background is primarily domestic. She has served on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, giving her some exposure to international affairs but limited experience in diplomatic negotiations.
Stefanik’s appointment could have a political impact in the House. Her departure from her upstate New York district would leave a vacancy for Republicans to fill, but her seat is expected to remain in GOP control.
During his campaign, Trump signaled a foreign policy direction skeptical of international alliances. His initial choice for the U.N. role in 2016 was his daughter Ivanka Trump, a decision that was ultimately redirected by advisors. However, his emphasis on loyalty over diplomatic credentials has persisted, with Stefanik’s selection highlighting his approach as he heads into a second term.
