WASHINGTON — Representative Elise Stefanik expressed her commitment on Tuesday to advocate for President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies if she secures the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She indicated her intention to conduct a comprehensive review of American financing essential for U.N. operations and its various global agencies during her confirmation hearing.
As the largest single contributor to the U.N., Stefanik highlighted that it is crucial for the U.S. to ensure that its financial commitments contribute to making the nation safer, stronger, and more prosperous. This viewpoint aligns with statements made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“Our taxpayer resources should not support organizations that undermine U.S. interests, exhibit antisemitism, or engage in corruption or terrorism,” Stefanik stated in her inaugural address to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In her testimony, she emphasized the necessity of reforming the U.N., especially in light of several resolutions passed against Israel concerning the conflict in Gaza. She argued that the U.N. has strayed from its original purpose established after World War II to protect future generations from the evils of war.
Lawmakers raised concerns regarding the influence of American adversaries like Russia and China, particularly noting Russia’s ability to veto resolutions in the U.N. Security Council, which has included its refusal to condemn its invasion of Ukraine.
Senator Jim Risch, who chairs the committee, criticized the U.N. sharply and suggested that Stefanik has the potential to bring about much-needed transformation. He called for a reassessment of each U.N. agency’s contributions to U.S. interests, urging accountability for those that do not align with American values.
“Currently, the United States needs to fundamentally analyze whether its continued contributions and engagement in the U.N. truly benefits the American populace,” the Idaho senator remarked.
The United States accounts for over 20% of the U.N.’s regular budget, and Stefanik faced repeated inquiries about U.S. support for the extensive work conducted by various U.N. agencies that address issues ranging from health and education to nuclear non-proliferation and migration.
As of now, the United States owes approximately $1.5 billion to the regular U.N. budget and about $1.3 billion dedicated mostly to U.N. peacekeeping efforts. This concern was addressed by U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq, who defended the organization’s initiatives, asserting that its core contribution lies in creating a peaceful platform for its 193 member states to address potential conflicts and global challenges.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the committee, highlighted the crucial role of the U.S. at the U.N., stating that its functions are irreplaceable. She cautioned that, should the U.S. withdraw, adversaries like China would likely fill the void. “Our engagement in U.N. peacekeeping operations is advantageous, as they would otherwise fall upon the American military,” she said, adding that they aid in stabilizing societies and providing essential assistance in regions like Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine.
In response to these discussions, Stefanik indicated her willingness to review agencies to ensure that taxpayer funds are directed toward effective U.N. programs, citing UNICEF and the World Food Program as examples of successful entities.
Stefanik backed Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. support from the U.N. World Health Organization, but she also acknowledged the necessity for the U.S. to continue as a leader in global health. A strong ally of Trump, she reiterated his concept of “peace through strength” while discussing a range of global issues, including the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions — all of which fall under the U.N.’s jurisdiction.
Referring to Iran, she identified it as “the most significant threat to global peace” and agreed with Democratic Senator Chris Coons regarding the importance of forming alliances to counter China’s growing influence, despite Trump’s historically skeptical stance on such partnerships like NATO.
When asked by Senator Chris Van Hollen about recent violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, Stefanik confirmed her earlier private stance that Israel holds a “biblical right” to the contested territory, a belief that followed Trump’s lifting of the Biden administration’s sanctions against Israeli settlers.
“I am interested in this position because the U.N. displays a persistent antisemitic bias, with more resolutions targeting Israel than any other nation or issue combined,” testified Stefanik.
A Harvard graduate, Stefanik is the fourth-ranking Republican in the U.S. House and has held office since 2015. She rose to prominence as a staunch Trump supporter, particularly following the events of January 6, 2021, when he refused to concede to Democratic President Joe Biden.
Her profile was further elevated after she aggressively scrutinized university presidents regarding antisemitism on campuses last year, which led to the resignation of two of them—an act praised by Trump. Most recently, she served as the senior woman on both the House Armed Services Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, and was also appointed to a select committee focused on strategic competition with China.
Raised in upstate New York, Stefanik’s political career began in the Bush administration, where she worked on the domestic policy council. Elected at the age of 30, she was the youngest member of her freshman class and became the only woman on the House leadership team in 2021.
