Rep. Elise Stefanik is set to face scrutiny during her confirmation hearing on Tuesday for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, particularly regarding her limited foreign policy background, her staunch pro-Israel stance, and her opinions on U.N. funding.
Having graduated from Harvard, Stefanik currently serves as the fourth-ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She began her congressional career in 2015 as a moderate Republican and has transformed into one of President Trump’s most vocal supporters over the past decade. Her allegiance to Trump became especially prominent following the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, when he continued to claim his election loss to Joe Biden was invalid.
According to U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is eager to collaborate with Trump in a potential second term, signaling continuity from Trump’s first administration, which was marked by the tenure of Nikki Haley as U.N. ambassador. John Bolton, Trump’s former national security advisor, likened Stefanik to Haley, perceiving her appointment as a strategic move to gain foreign policy experience.
Bolton suggested that Stefanik, who aspires to run for president in 2028, views the ambassadorship as a stepping stone, aiming to build her credentials over the next two years. During her Senate confirmation appearance, she will likely encounter inquiries concerning ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, as well as North Korea and Iran’s nuclear ambitions—major topics for the U.N.
Considering the U.S. contributes roughly 20% of the U.N.’s operational budget, questions regarding her previous statements about budget cuts and support for various U.N. agencies are anticipated. These agencies address numerous global challenges, including health, education, migration, and human rights.
Stefanik’s profile surged following her pointed questioning of university leaders on the issue of antisemitism, which resulted in two resignations—a performance that received notable praise from Trump.
Her backing of Israel has been particularly vocal in light of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in substantial casualties and had significant geopolitical repercussions, leading into the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following this, a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. has since taken root.
Stefanik has criticized the U.N. as a “den of antisemitism” due to its condemnation of Israel’s military actions against Gaza, actions which local health officials report have resulted in significant Palestinian fatalities, with claims indicating many casualties are women and children. If confirmed, she has pledged to address what she perceives as rising antisemitism within the organization.
Stefanik’s lack of international experience is expected to be a focal point of discussion during her confirmation. She does possess some relevant experience, having served on the House Armed Services Committee as well as on a key intelligence oversight committee. Raised in upstate New York, Stefanik began her career in public service in George W. Bush’s administration, working within the domestic policy council and the chief of staff’s office.
Being the youngest member of her freshman class at just 30 years old, she secured a leadership spot in the House by 2021, making her the sole female member of the team. In contrast to Sen. Marco Rubio, anticipated to pass through his own confirmation with ease, Stefanik lacks public endorsement from any Democratic senators at this point. However, she shares a timely advantage with Rubio as they both navigate Senate confirmation alongside several of Trump’s more contentious Cabinet nominees.
