Trump’s UN ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik says he sees ‘great promise’ in the United Nations

President Trump’s nominee for U.N. ambassador, Elise Stefanik, believes that there is great promise in the United Nations if it aligns with its founding mission of international peace and security. In her opening statement for her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Stefanik shared that President Trump sees the potential for the U.N. to play a vital role in addressing global crises and promoting peace.

Stefanik emphasized the importance of supporting Israel and ensuring that U.S. tax dollars are used to advance American interests. She highlighted the need for the U.S. to lead with strength and moral clarity in the face of challenges posed by countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Stefanik also stressed the importance of reforming the U.N. to increase its effectiveness and ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not supporting entities that are counter to American interests.

If confirmed as U.N. ambassador, Stefanik plans to leverage her experience in Congress to drive much-needed reforms within the organization. She recognizes the oversight and appropriations role of the legislative branch and aims to work closely with House and Senate colleagues to deliver meaningful changes.

Stefanik’s confirmation hearing will provide an opportunity for senators to question her on her plans for representing the U.S. at the U.N. Following the hearing, the Foreign Relations Committee will vote on her confirmation before it goes to the full Senate for a final vote.

As a strong supporter of Israel and a former member of the House GOP Conference chair, Stefanik is expected to secure confirmation for the U.N. role. She has been critical of the U.N., as has President Trump, who reduced funding for certain U.N. agencies and programs during his term in office.

The U.S. plays a significant role in funding the U.N., contributing about a third of its budget. President Biden has increased U.S. financial contributions to the U.N. and its sister agencies, giving the administration leverage to withhold funds if global interests do not align with those of the U.S.

In 2026, when the U.N. elects its next secretary-general, the U.S. will have veto power over any candidate. The U.N. heavily relies on the U.S. for global aid programs, making it crucial for the U.S. to ensure that its interests are being served.

Critics have raised concerns about China’s influence within the U.N., with the CCP significantly increasing the number of its nationals employed at the organization in recent years. This infiltration raises questions about the U.N.’s ability to operate independently and effectively address global challenges.

Overall, Stefanik’s nomination as U.N. ambassador represents an opportunity to drive reform within the organization and ensure that U.S. interests are prioritized. With her background in Congress and strong support for Israel, Stefanik is poised to represent the U.S. effectively on the international stage.