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The president said he wanted the New York Republican to stay in Congress to bolster the party’s slim House margin and protect her seat.
- March 27, 2025Updated 3:11 p.m. ET
President Trump on Thursday said he had asked Representative Elise Stefanik, Republican of New York, to stay in Congress rather than serve as ambassador to the United Nations, amid concern about the minuscule voting margin that Republicans hold in the House.
“There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations,” Mr. Trump wrote on his website, Truth Social, where he said it was critical for Republicans to hold onto every House seat they have. “Therefore, Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People.”
Mr. Trump hinted that he might make it up to Ms. Stefanik in the future with another position in his administration. But for now, he said, Speaker Mike Johnson was “thrilled” with the development.
It was a stunning turnaround for Ms. Stefanik, who was Mr. Trump’s first cabinet nominee and who had been expecting to be confirmed by the Senate in the coming days.
And it underscored the precarious position that House Republicans are in with such a narrow majority that they can afford few defections. Mr. Johnson had previously said he could not afford to lose Ms. Stefanik while he was maneuvering critical measures, including his party’s budget plan, through the House.
It also highlighted concerns among Mr. Trump and leading members of his party about their ability to win what should be safe Republican seats in districts like Ms. Stefanik’s solidly red region of upstate New York.
