President-elect Donald J. Trump has offered Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, the position of U.N. ambassador in his incoming administration, according to a report first shared by CNN.
Ms. Stefanik, representing a district in upstate New York, is part of the Republican House leadership and has consistently supported Mr. Trump. Her office has confirmed that she accepted the offer.
At 40 years old, Ms. Stefanik has been recognized as a significant Trump ally, particularly during his first impeachment proceedings. Despite limited foreign policy and national security experience, she has served on the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. She is known for her advocacy for Israel and was prominent during congressional hearings that scrutinized university leaders’ handling of campus unrest following the Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.
Her steadfast support for Mr. Trump during his first impeachment trial left a lasting impression. Mr. Trump praised her in a statement, describing her as a “strong, tough and smart America First fighter.”
The anticipated narrow majority for House Republicans in the incoming Congress could be further impacted by Ms. Stefanik’s departure, potentially affecting legislative control until a replacement is elected in her reliably Republican district.
Questions remain about Mr. Trump’s ability to pull loyalists from the House, given Republicans’ thin majority. The party is expected to push significant legislative initiatives next year, leveraging its consolidated power in Washington.
Ms. Stefanik, the first House Trump ally named for a cabinet role, has long been seen positioning herself within the Trump administration. Her departure from Congress could be complicated, as New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, may delay calling a special election to fill the vacancy.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, a major Trump supporter, expressed concerns on social media platform X, cautioning against her departure due to the slim House majority. “Elise is awesome, but it might be too dicey to lose her from the House, at least for now,” he posted.
This appointment follows Mr. Trump’s recent selections of Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff and Thomas D. Homan as “border czar.”