President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican from New York, to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in his upcoming administration.
Ms Stefanik, who has represented New York’s 21st Congressional District since 2015, has been a vocal supporter of Mr Trump and is a leading figure within the GOP.
Mr Trump announced the nomination in a statement, praising Ms Stefanik’s loyalty and leadership. He said, “Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter. I am honoured to nominate her as our U.N. Ambassador.”
Ms Stefanik, 40, has accepted the role, marking her first foray into an official diplomatic position.
According to the New York Post, she accepted in a statement saying, “I am truly honoured to earn Trump’s nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.”
While she has not had a significant role in foreign policy, her work in Congress includes serving on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, where she has dealt with national security issues.
Ms Stefanik has also been a strong supporter of Israel, playing a key role in recent congressional hearings about the aftermath of the Hamas terror attacks and the war in Gaza.
Her aggressive questioning during those hearings resulted in the resignation of several university leaders, who were criticised for their responses to student protests regarding the conflict.
Ms Stefanik became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress when she won her seat in 2014 at 30.
She represents a large rural district in northern New York and has made a name for herself through her staunch conservative values and steadfast defence of Mr Trump, particularly during his first impeachment trial.
This loyalty helped her rise to a leadership position as chair of the House Republican Conference, making her the third-ranking Republican in the House.
Despite her prominence within the party, some have noted her limited background in international diplomacy.
If confirmed by the Senate, Ms Stefanik will step into a key role on the global stage, where she will represent the U.S. at the United Nations, navigating international issues and advancing America’s interests.
