President-elect Donald Trump has announced his nomination of the staunchly pro-Israel Elise Stefanik as the country’s new ambassador to the United Nations.
Stefanik, described as an experienced congresswoman and loyal supporter of Donald Trump, is likely to be approved by the Senate, as Republicans now hold a majority in the US Congress.
In an interview with Reuters, Trump said he had asked the Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Elise Stefanik, to take on the role of the next US ambassador to the UN. Stefanik, who has represented New York’s 21st district since 2015, is known for her outspoken support for Trump and has established herself as one of the more prominent voices in the party.
She has expressed a “deeply humble ” approach to the nomination and is now awaiting Senate approval. With Republicans controlling 53 of the Senate’s 100 seats after the election, approval is expected to be a smooth, formal process.
Despite her political experience, Stefanik has not previously worked on foreign policy issues. However, she has long advocated for stronger support for Israel.
In October, Stefanik proposed a “complete reassessment of U.S. funding of the United Nations” in light of the Palestinian Authority’s expressed desire to expel Israel from the UN over alleged human rights abuses in Gaza.
“I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations”, Trump wrote in his message. He describes her as “incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter”, referring to the protectionist policies he has made his trademark.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 12, 2024
Photo: Elise Stefanik/FB
Israel welcomes the nomination
Israel’s UN spokesperson, Danny Danon, has commented on Stefanik’s possible appointment, pointing to hopes that Stefanik will continue to defend Israel’s interests at the UN.
– I look forward to working closely with Elise Stefanik on tackling malicious lies at the U.N. advanced by hostile nations while staying unswervingly committed to truth and justice”, he said.
The possible appointment as UN Ambassador means that a new representative will need to be elected for New York’s 21st District. However, party officials have expressed concern that the empty seat could lead to the Democrats taking over this mandate, which could affect the Republican majority in the House.
Rubio could become Secretary of State
Meanwhile, Trump is also expected to nominate Senator Marco Rubio as the new Secretary of State. Rubio, who has had a competitive relationship with Trump in the past, has repeatedly questioned the US’ extensive military aid to Ukraine.
Rubio has repeatedly voted against such proposals in the Senate, instead emphasizing the need for negotiations that could involve territorial concessions to Russia in order to achieve peace – something that could see Trump’s administration take a different direction in foreign policy than his predecessor.
Critical voices have been raised against Trump’s very pro-Israel nominations for the upcoming administration, with many wondering if “Israel First” and not “America First” is the president’s motto.
Israel First won the Trump administration. America First lost. The people have been conned once again. pic.twitter.com/A0bdUWCaRw
— Robin Monotti (@robinmonotti) November 12, 2024
