Trump Announces Withdrawal of Elise Stefanik’s Nomination, Drawing Lawmaker Responses

President Donald Trump asked Rep. Elise Stefanik to pull her UN ambassador nomination to preserve the razor-thin Republican House majority, drawing reactions from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Quick Takes

Trump cited the need to maintain “EVERY Republican Seat in Congress” due to the GOP’s narrow 218-213 House majority when asking Elise Stefanik to withdraw her UN nomination.
Sen. Jim Banks expressed disappointment but praised Stefanik for putting “the president’s agenda first” over her own ambitions.
Stefanik will remain in Congress, rejoin House GOP leadership, and continue as a key Trump ally for his legislative agenda.
Concerns were raised about NY Gov. Kathy Hochul potentially delaying a special election.
Sen. Susan Collins believed Stefanik “would have been easily confirmed” and called her “a great nominee.”

Trump Prioritizes House Majority Over UN Appointment

In a strategic political move aimed at preserving the narrow Republican majority in the House, President Donald Trump announced this week his decision to ask Rep. Elise Stefanik to step back from the nomination for US ambassador to the United Nations. The withdrawal comes as Republicans hold just a five-seat advantage in the House, with 218 seats to Democrats’ 213. Trump’s decision reflects the high-stakes political calculations of his nascent administration, which is assembling its team while carefully considering congressional dynamics that could impact his legislative agenda.

Trump made his reasoning clear in a public statement: “I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat.”

GOP senator: Elise Stefanik putting President Trump’s agenda "above her own ambitions" https://t.co/YkCe91iS0n

— The Hill (@thehill) March 28, 2025

Lawmakers React to Withdrawal Decision

The decision drew reactions from across Capitol Hill, with Senate and House members weighing in on the political calculations behind the move. Senator Jim Banks expressed his feelings about the withdrawal, acknowledging the loss of a qualified UN representative while praising Stefanik for putting Trump’s agenda ahead of her ambitions. “Elise was perfect for the job, so for that reason, I’m disappointed, but she’s one of the best fighters that President Trump has in the Congress, and President Trump needs her vote to pass the Trump agenda,” Banks said.

Sen. Susan Collins also spoke up about the move, saying, “She must be so disappointed. She would have been easily confirmed in my view. I thought she was a great nominee.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the news, noting that the move “will allow us to keep one of the toughest, most resolute members of our Conference in place to help drive forward President Trump’s America First policies.” The decision highlights the balance the incoming Trump administration aims to strike between filling key diplomatic posts and maintaining the legislative voting strength needed to advance its domestic agenda through a closely divided Congress.

Stefanik’s Response and Future Role

Despite the setback to her diplomatic aspirations, Stefanik has publicly embraced her continued congressional role. “I have been proud to be a team player. The president knows that. He and I had multiple conversations today, and we are committed to delivering results on behalf of the American people. And as always, I’m committed to delivering results on behalf of my constituents.”

Political Calculations Beyond the House Majority

Ahead of Trump’s decision, some Republicans expressed concerns that Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul might delay scheduling a special election for Stefanik’s seat, potentially leaving Republicans without a vote in a critical district for an extended period. The lack of GOP consensus on a replacement candidate in Stefanik’s upstate New York district also contributed to concerns about maintaining the seat in Republican hands.

Stefanik’s trajectory in Republican politics has seen her transform from a moderate who worked in the George W. Bush White House and on the Romney-Ryan campaign to one of Trump’s most vocal defenders. Now, instead of representing American interests at the United Nations, she will rejoin the House GOP leadership team and continue her role as a key Trump ally in advancing his legislative priorities. Trump has indicated she may join his administration at a later date when the timing better aligns with Republican congressional strategy.