BREAKING: Trump announces Elise Stefanik will stay in Congress, not head to UN as ambassador

The White House is pulling the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) for UN ambassador as the GOP has a slim majority in the House of Representatives and has announced that she will remain in Congress instead. 

Trump wrote on Truth Social, "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. 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."

"With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat. The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day. 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. Speaker Johnson is thrilled! I look forward to the day when Elise is able to join my Administration in the future. She is absolutely FANTASTIC. Thank you Elise!" Trump added. 

The announcement comes after the president had nominated Stefanik as the UN Ambassador, but with concerns over the slim majority in the House, the Trump administration decided that she is more needed in Congress. Stefanik previously served as the Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference starting in May 2021 after former Rep. Liz Cheney was removed. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced that he would also be inviting Stefanik back into leadership in the House.

"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 wrote.

"It is well known Republicans have a razor-thin House majority, and Elise’s agreement to withdraw her nomination will allow us to keep one of the toughest, most resolute members of our Conference in place to help drive forward President Trump’s America First policies. 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. I will invite her to return to the leadership table immediately."

It was reported earlier on Thursday that the administration asked Stefanik to bow out of the role, according to Fox News. She had been under some pressure to take herself out of the role due to the slim majority, despite appearing to be poised to go through the confirmation process with ease and bipartisan support in the Senate.