US President-elect Donald Trump has offered Rep. Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican from New York and current House Republican Conference chair, the position of US ambassador to the United Nations, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Stefanik, who is the fourth-ranking House Republican, has been a notable ally of Trump and a key figure in GOP fundraising efforts.
Stefanik’s political trajectory showcases a complex relationship with Trump, evolving from early skepticism to unwavering support.
Initially critical during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and the beginning of his tenure, Stefanik shifted her stance, attributing the change to Trump’s significant popularity in her upstate New York district.
Her defense of Trump during his 2019 impeachment hearings elevated her profile within the party, with Trump praising her as a “Republican star.”
Following the 2020 election, Stefanik was among those who backed Trump’s objections to certifying President Joe Biden’s victory and echoed his claims of election fraud.
However, Stefanik’s political journey also reflects a more independent past. Elected in 2014 as the youngest woman in Congress, she initially adopted a moderate stance, earning accolades from GOP figures like former House Speaker Paul Ryan. Ryan lauded Stefanik in Time magazine as a “builder” during a period of intense partisanship. Notably, she opposed Trump’s 2017 tax overhaul, signaling her independent approach during her earlier years.
In May 2021, Stefanik replaced Rep. Liz Cheney as GOP conference chair after Cheney’s outspoken criticism of Trump’s post-election rhetoric.
Stefanik has continued to bolster her influence in Congress through key roles on the Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She has also made headlines with initiatives such as advocating for stronger responses to antisemitism on college campuses.
Trump’s choice of Stefanik comes amid broader shifts within his emerging administration.
On Saturday, he announced that former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, who later ran a challenging primary campaign against him, would not return to her previous post. Stefanik’s possible appointment reflects Trump’s preference for loyal allies as he shapes his new leadership team for the upcoming term.
Stefanik has previously expressed her willingness to serve in a future Trump administration, telling CNN that she was “proud to be a top surrogate” and would be honored to take on a significant role.
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