Trump Selects Rep. Elise Stefanik as U.S. Ambassador to the UN
President-elect Donald Trump has announced his first Cabinet pick ahead of his return to the White House. He has named Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as his choice for the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Trump announced the nomination on Monday, calling Stefanik "an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter."
Who is Elise Stefanik?
Stefanik, 40, currently serves as the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference and has been one of Trump's most loyal allies in Congress. Known for her defence of Trump during his impeachment hearings and her vocal support after his 2020 election loss, Stefanik’s nomination signals a shift toward a more assertive U.S. stance at the UN.
In recent years, Stefanik has been outspoken on issues related to Israel. She has repeatedly criticised the United Nations for what she perceives as anti-Israel bias. Just last month, she urged a reassessment of U.S. funding to the organisation, especially after accusations that some UN relief agency staff were complicit in Hamas attacks on Israel.
Stefanik expressed her gratitude for the appointment, stating she is ready to advance Trump's "America First" agenda on the global stage. She will require Senate confirmation for the role, though Trump's allies are confident she will gain the necessary support.
“I look forward to advocating for peace through strength at the United Nations,” she said in a statement.
Stefanik’s nomination comes as tensions continue in the Middle East and Ukraine, making the UN ambassador role more critical than ever. With her history of advocating for Israel and challenging the UN's stance on various issues, her appointment could mark a significant change in how the U.S. engages with the international body.
Trump picks Tom Homan as his “Border Tsar”
Meanwhile, Trump also announced Tom Homan as his "border tsar." Homan, who previously served as acting director of ICE, will oversee border security and deportation policies. This aligns with Trump's campaign promises to tighten immigration control and increase deportations of undocumented immigrants.
As Trump assembles his Cabinet, there are speculations about other potential appointments, including figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who endorsed Trump after running his own presidential campaign. With Republicans on the verge of securing control of the House, Trump is positioning his administration to hit the ground running in January.
