Olusegun Ariyo
President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Representative Elise Stefanik for the US ambassador to the United Nations.
Stefanik currently represents New York in the US Congress, under the Republican party.
Trump announced this on Thursday in a statement via his Truth Social account, citing the House GOP’s slim majority in Congress.
“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. The people love Elise and with her, we have nothing to worry about come election day. Others can do a good job at the United Nations,” Trump said.
CBS had earlier reported that Stefanik was under pressure to withdraw from consideration for the role, despite appearing poised to secure Senate confirmation with bipartisan support.
The report mentioned that the House Republicans’ razor-thin majority was a major factor in the current considerations.
However, Fox News, on the other hand, reported that internal politics in Stefanik’s home constituency are also a factor.
According to the report, New York state’s primary structure and the lack of GOP cohesion over choosing a candidate to run in Stefanik’s place led to concerns about a future by-election there.
