BURSTSen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said Thursday that Elise Stefanik is putting the Trump administration’s agenda above her own political ambitions hours after the president announced he would pull her as the nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
“Elise was perfect for the job, so for that reason, I'm disappointed, but she's one of the best fighters that President Trump has in the Congress, and President Trump needs her vote to pass the Trump agenda,” Banks told NewsNation.
“And I know Elise Stefanik, while she's more than anything else, above her own ambitions, she's putting the country first, putting the president's agenda first, and that's what she's going to be committed to doing,” he added.
Trump formally announced his decision to withdraw Stefanik’s name from consideration in a Thursday post on Truth Social.
“I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” the president posted.
“With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat. The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day. There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations,” he continued.
Although Stefanik is not the first contentious nominee for the second Trump administration, she is the only candidate to be withdrawn from consideration by the White House. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) notably removed himself as a nominee for the attorney general post after receiving scrutiny for reports of alleged misconduct.
Stefanik, a Republican lawmaker from Wyoming, held the number 4 spot in the House before agreeing to become an ambassador in the Trump administration. She underwent a Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 21 but saw no movement toward the United Nations role in the months following.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair James E. Risch (R-Idaho) said he was informed of Stefanik’s withdrawal through a phone call.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he supports Trump’s decision to keep Stefanik as a member of Congress noting she would help drive “America First” policies forward.
“It is well known Republicans have a razor-thin House majority, and Elise’s agreement to withdraw her nomination will allow us to keep one of the toughest, most resolute members of our Conference in place to help drive forward President Trump’s America First policies,” Johnson said.
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