Rep. Elise Stefanik is expected to address her lack of foreign policy experience during her confirmation hearing for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on Tuesday. Additionally, her staunch support for Israel and her thoughts on U.N. funding will likely come under scrutiny as well.
As a Harvard graduate and the fourth-highest ranking official in the U.S. House of Representatives, Stefanik began her congressional career in 2015 as a moderate Republican. Over the past decade, she has transformed into one of President Donald Trump’s most committed supporters, particularly after the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump maintained his stance that he did not lose the election to Democrat Joe Biden.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres looks forward to collaborating with Trump during his potential second term, as highlighted by UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq. Notably, when President Trump announced Stefanik’s appointment, former national security adviser John Bolton compared her to Nikki Haley, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the UN during Trump’s first term and later ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination last year.
Bolton speculated that Stefanik harbors ambitions to run for president in 2028. He noted her lack of foreign policy experience, suggesting that her appointment as U.N. ambassador could serve as a strategic move: “She stays two years, and then away we go.” This dialogue foreshadows the kind of questions Stefanik might face during her confirmation process, particularly regarding issues like the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, along with nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran.
The U.S. contributes roughly 20% of the U.N.’s regular budget, leading to anticipated inquiries about Stefanik’s previous statements on cutting U.N. funding while maintaining support for its various agencies, which work on crucial global issues, including health, education, migration, and reproductive rights.
Stefanik gained attention last year for her vigorous questioning of university presidents about antisemitism in academic institutions. This initiative led to the resignations of two presidents, earning her praise from Trump, who highlighted her performance.
Her vocal support for Israel has been particularly pronounced following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and about 250 individuals taken hostage. This incident sparked renewed conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, though a U.S.-brokered ceasefire has since been established.
In light of criticism directed at Israel for its extensive air and ground operations in Gaza—resulting in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths according to local health officials—Stefanik has labeled the U.N. a “den of antisemitism.” Most of the casualties reported do not differentiate between civilians and militants, with local officials stating that a significant portion of the deceased are women and children. If confirmed, Stefanik plans to take a strong stance against what she deems antisemitism within the U.N.
Stefanik’s limited experience in foreign policy outside of her legislative role is likely to be a focal point of questioning by senators. However, her credentials are notable; she is the most senior and longest-serving woman on both the House Armed Services Committee and the select committee overseeing national intelligence. Additionally, she played a key role in negotiating the annual defense authorization bill and led a bipartisan delegation to the Indo-Pacific region in 2023.
Raised in upstate New York, she previously served in former President George W. Bush’s White House. Entering Congress at the age of 30, she quickly ascended to House leadership and became the only woman on the team in 2021.
Unlike Sen. Marco Rubio, who was confirmed unanimously, Stefanik has garnered the public support of only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman from Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, several Democrats, including Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, have left meetings with her expressing a positive outlook, especially concerning her intent to counter politically-driven actions against Israel while at the U.N.
This article contains a correction regarding the number of Democrats publicly endorsing Stefanik, confirming that one Democrat has voiced support for her.
