Speaker Johnson Appoints Stefanik to GOP Leadership After She Withdraws From UN Nomination

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday announced that Rep. Elise Stefanik would chair the House Republican Leadership in the upcoming 119th Congress, following her decision to step back from her nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under former President Donald Trump’s administration.

In this new role, Stefanik will help drive forward Trump’s legislative priorities in the House over the next two years. Her responsibilities will include guiding the vital budget resolution, serving on the Steering Committee, and continuing her influential positions on the Armed Services Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee, according to Just the News.

“I am honored to be appointed Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership to lead House Republicans in implementing President Donald Trump’s mandate from the American people for an America First agenda that includes securing our borders, strengthening our national security, growing our economy, and combating the scourge of antisemitism across our country,” Stefanik said in a formal statement.

She added, “I look forward to the work ahead in enacting President Trump’s historic agenda.”

Trump withdrew her UN nomination in late March, citing concerns about the potential loss of her seat in the House and its impact on his key legislative goals.

“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress. We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning,” Trump posted 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,” he continued.

At the time, the House GOP held a slim 218-213 majority, leaving little room for defections on party-line votes. Stefanik's planned departure for the UN post risked delaying key pieces of legislation concerning border security, tax reform, and energy policy—legislation Republicans hoped to pass before Memorial Day, The New York Post reported.

According to sources close to the matter, Stefanik’s decision to withdraw was unexpected. One GOP official from New York, speaking anonymously, described the situation as “a surprise. It’s a bombshell. Trump made a decision — and that’s it.”

Stefanik had been slated for Senate confirmation on April 2, with a press event planned at the UN headquarters in Turtle Bay the following day.

Prior to the formal withdrawal, a source familiar with the internal deliberations said “there’s been recent talks between [the] White House and Speaker [Mike Johnson]’s office about if it’s in [the] best interest of [the] House Majority and president’s agenda to pull the nomination.” The source emphasized that the move ultimately came down to political arithmetic, saying it was “all about the math.”

“With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat,” Trump explained. “There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations. Therefore, Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People.”

In his own statement, Johnson (R-La.) confirmed his plan to “invite” Stefanik to return to the leadership team, even though her prior role of conference chair is now held by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.).

“Elise Stefanik is truly a great leader and a devoted patriot. Today’s selfless decision shows America what those of us who work with her already know. She is deeply devoted to her country and fully committed to see President Trump’s agenda succeed in Congress,” Johnson stated. “There is no doubt she would have served with distinction as our ambassador to the United Nations, but we are grateful for her willingness to sacrifice that position and remain in Congress to help us save the country.”