President-elect Donald Trump has picked Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as ambassador to the United Nations.
In a statement on his choice, Trump described Stefanik, 40, as “an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.”
The ambassador represents the United States at the body, including at the U.N. Security Council, where the United States is one of just five permanent members.
Stefanik responded to her selection in a statement on X. “America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek,” she wrote on Monday.
Here are nine things to know about the candidate.
1. Youngest Woman Elected to Congress
Stefanik defeated both Democrat Aaron Wolf and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello in 2014 in the contest to represent New York’s 21st District, a sprawling section of Upstate New York that stretches to the Canadian border.
When she began serving, she was just 30 years old—at the time, a record for a female member of Congress. Another woman from New York, Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), set a new record several years later, entering Congress in 2019 at just 29.
2. Chairs the Influential House Republican Conference
Stefanik also chairs the House Republican Conference, making her third in GOP leadership behind Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.). She has been in that role since 2021 after replacing former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.).
Trump’s call for her to serve as U.N. ambassador has kicked off a scramble among Republicans seeking to fill the critical position. The conference communicates the party’s message to House Republicans through periodic meetings led by the chair.
House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) speaks to reporters at a press conference following a meeting at the U.S. Capitol on July 18, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
3. A Strong Supporter of Israel
Stefanik has stood out as a staunch backer of Israel, particularly after the Oct. 7, 2023, land, sea, and air attack on the Jewish state by the Hamas terrorist group.
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“Harvard ranks the lowest when it comes to protecting Jewish students. This is why I’ve called for your resignation,” she said.
Gay resigned in January.
Stefanik visited Israel earlier this year.
The likely future ambassador’s support for Israel contrasts sharply with the U.N.’s continued condemnation of the Jewish state with regard to its conflict with Hamas.
Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) (C) speaks during a news conference with Republican committee chairs to address pro-Palestinian protests at universities across the country at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on April 30, 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
4. A Friend to Trump
Stefanik began to stand with Trump in August 2016 and maintained that support months later after an audio recording of the presidential candidate speaking to Billy Bush of “Access Hollywood” was released, though she condemned the language that he used.
She also campaigned with Trump in New Hampshire ahead of its first-in-the-nation primary earlier this year.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) alongside President Donald Trump during an event on Aug. 13, 2018. Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times
5. Discussed as Possible VP Pick
Stefanik’s backing for Trump had inspired speculation that she could be Trump’s choice as a running mate.
“I’m focused on doing my job right now,” she said when pressed.
6. Worked for Paul Ryan
Early in her career, Stefanik was an aide to Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). She helped the lawmaker prepare for his vice-presidential debate when he ran alongside Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) in 2012. Earlier in that cycle, Stefanik worked on Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s presidential campaign.
(Left) Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty waves as he takes the stage at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Aug. 29, 2012. (Right) Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) (C) speaks during a press event at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 27, 2017. Mark Wilson/Getty Images, Alex Wong/Getty Images
7. Harvard Graduate
Born in Albany, New York, Stefanik studied at Harvard University, earning an undergraduate degree in government in 2006. She was elected vice president of the university’s Institute of Politics during her time as a student.
In January 2021, the Institute removed her from its advisory committee, citing questions she raised about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
8. She’s on Key House Committees
In addition to leading the House Republican Conference, Stefanik serves on multiple key congressional committees.
That includes the House Armed Services Committee, which handles defense policy. She also belongs to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, along with the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 16, 2024. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
9. Filling Her Predecessors’ Shoes
The U.N. ambassador post is presently occupied by Biden administration appointee Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Stefanik would also be the successor to Trump’s previous appointees to the role, Kelly Craft and, during the first half of his term, Nikki Haley.
Over the weekend, Trump ruled out Haley and his former CIA director, Mike Pompeo, for administration posts.
Other past U.N. ambassadors include Samantha Power and Susan Rice, both of whom served under President Barack Obama, and John Bolton, who served during the presidency of George W. Bush.
Original News Source Link – Epoch Times
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