U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the nomination of Elise Stefanik (Republican-New York) as ambassador to the United Nations. This decision was made due to concerns over the slim 5-seat difference between the Republican and Democratic parties in Congress.
On the 27th, Trump noted on the social media platform Truth Social that "it is essential to maintain all Republican seats in Congress," adding that "we must unite to fulfill our mission, and I asked Elise to stay in Congress."
After last year's presidential election, President Trump nominated Stefanik, who was the third-highest ranking Republican in the House of Representatives (Chair of the House Republican Conference), as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Although Stefanik completed the confirmation hearing in the Senate last January, she had not resigned from her position as a member of the House.
The withdrawal of this nomination is related to the current situation of Republican seats in the House. The current composition is 218 Republican seats, 213 Democratic seats (with 4 vacancies out of 435). Given the precarious majority of the Republican party in the House, it is interpreted that President Trump deemed it burdensome to leave a district in New York known for its strong Democratic leanings.
President Trump stated, "It is essential to maintain all Republican seats in Congress in promoting America First," and expressed his desire not to create an opportunity for someone else to run for Stefanik's seat under a situation where the majority is narrow. He remarked that "there are many people who can do a great job at the United Nations."