Trump Withdraws Stefanik’s UN Nomination Amid Tight GOP House Margin
President Trump withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik’s UN ambassador nomination over fears that losing her congressional seat could endanger the GOP’s slim majority in the House, amidst a series of cost-cutting moves and controversial executive orders.
Published on March 28, 2025
President Donald Trump withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on March 27, 2025. The decision was driven by concerns that her departure from a narrowly held Republican majority in the House could jeopardize the GOP’s slim margin, especially with two critical special elections in Florida approaching. Stefanik’s choice to remain in Congress averts the risk of triggering an election that might threaten the party’s control.
In addition to the nomination withdrawal, the administration announced significant policy measures. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to lay off 10,000 workers and close several agencies as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy led by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. President Trump also signed a series of executive orders—including one targeting law firms involved with the Mueller investigation and another aimed at reshaping the Smithsonian Institution by eliminating programs deemed to have an 'improper ideology.' A federal judge recently blocked parts of an executive order intended to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while non-profits have taken legal action over the termination of contracts providing legal aid to unaccompanied migrant children.