Stefanik seeks Senate support for UN ambassador nomination, emphasizing ‘America First’ foreign policy “`

In her bid to become the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) met with ten senators over two days to garner support for her nomination.

The House GOP chair emphasized her pro-Israel stance to Republican senators, as Senate approval is required for her appointment to President-elect Trump’s Cabinet.

Her initial meetings on Wednesday included Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Shelley Capito (R-W.Va.).

Thursday’s meetings involved Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

Stefanik shared photos of these meetings on X, highlighting discussions focused on supporting Israel, combating antisemitism, and backing Trump’s “America First peace through strength” national security policies.

Sen. McConnell, the outgoing Senate Majority Leader, stated that the UN needs significant reform and that Stefanik is ideally positioned to lead this change.

He emphasized the need for a strong U.S. ambassador to counter authoritarian influence and defend Israel, expressing concern about UNRWA’s role in the October 7th events and advocating for accountability and responsible use of U.S. taxpayer funds.

He expressed anticipation for the Senate’s timely consideration of her nomination and voiced his hope that she will champion a foreign policy based on peace through strength.

These meetings coincided with the International Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. President Biden condemned the ICC’s action, and the Pentagon rejected its jurisdiction.

President Biden stated there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas.

Stefanik has consistently supported Israel’s actions against Hamas terrorists in Gaza following the October 7th attacks and other Iran-backed groups.

Last month, Stefanik called for a reassessment of U.S. funding for the UN and an end to financial support for UNRWA.

She criticized the Biden-Harris administration for providing over $1 billion to UNRWA since 2021, characterizing the agency as a terrorist front and advocating for the permanent cessation of funding.

The United States is the largest single donor to the UN, contributing 22% of its budget.

Through her work on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Stefanik has addressed the rise of antisemitism on college campuses following the October 7th attacks, holding university presidents accountable for failing to condemn anti-Israel protests.