In a surprising turn of events, Elise Stefanik will not become the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, despite being nominated by President Donald Trump following his reelection in November. On March 27, 2025, Trump announced he was withdrawing Stefanik’s nomination, citing the necessity of maintaining Republican seats in Congress where the party currently holds a razor-thin majority.

The New York Republican’s nomination had been in limbo for months after advancing out of committee in late January. House Republicans’ slim majority of 218 seats compared to Democrats’ 213 made Stefanik’s departure from Congress potentially problematic for passing legislation.

In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump emphasized unity in accomplishing their mission, stating, “Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning. I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress.” The president has not yet named a replacement nominee for the UN Ambassador position, which remains the last unfilled Cabinet seat in his administration.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson praised Stefanik as “selfless” and “patriotic” following the announcement. However, her future role in House leadership remains uncertain. While Trump indicated she would rejoin the House Leadership Team, Johnson stated on Tuesday that all leadership posts are currently filled.

The decision has prompted mixed reactions in New York’s 21st district, which Stefanik represents. Susan McNeil, Fulton County Republican Chair, expressed both disappointment and relief: “I’m thrilled she’s staying, I’m saddened that she’s not our ambassador yet.”

Prior to the withdrawal of her nomination, Stefanik had been active in her ambassador-designate role. On March 3, she delivered an address at the Anti-Defamation League’s “Never Is Now” Summit on combating antisemitism. During this speech, she promised that as UN Ambassador, she would not only defund UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) but would “totally dismantle it,” calling it a “pro-Hamas terrorist front group.”

Stefanik has made a significant impact in her congressional district, including helping the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department secure $4.5 million for a new emergency services building. This action earned her support across party lines, with Rick Yorkey, a Democrat and head of the department, stating, “She did actually come here when we asked her to, that was big and she put in the time and looked at the buildings here and secured that money for us. I don’t know if too many others would have done that.”

The withdrawal reflects growing concern among House Republicans that their historically slim majority could be at risk, particularly with two special elections in Florida approaching. The loss of even a few seats could shift the House majority to Democrats and potentially derail the Trump administration’s legislative agenda.