Trump chooses Elise Stefanik to serve as ambassador to United Nations
WASHINGTON (AP) — Elise Stefanik pledged Tuesday to bring President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach to the global stage as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Speaking at her Senate confirmation hearing, Stefanik vowed to review U.S. contributions to the U.N. and ensure funding aligns with American interests.
The hearing, held by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was centered on Stefanik’s plan to overhaul U.S. engagement with the U.N. As the largest single financial contributor, the United States plays a crucial role in supporting U.N. operations and its agencies worldwide. Stefanik emphasized that U.S. tax dollars must serve to strengthen America and align with its values.
“Our tax dollars should not be complicit in propping up entities that are counter to American interests, antisemitic, or engaging in fraud, corruption, or terrorism,” Stefanik declared. She stressed the need to prioritize transparency and accountability within the U.N. framework.
Stefanik’s stance resonated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s vision for a safer and more prosperous America. Her remarks echoed concerns about U.N. inefficiencies and biases, particularly in its handling of sensitive global issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Stefanik pointed to repeated U.N. resolutions condemning Israel over its actions in Gaza. She argued that these resolutions reveal a failure of the U.N. to uphold its original mission. Established after World War II, the U.N. was created to prevent the scourge of war and foster global peace. However, Stefanik contended that the organization has strayed from these ideals.
The issue of U.N. reform was a key focus during the hearing. Lawmakers highlighted the influence of American rivals such as Russia and China within the U.N. Security Council. Both nations hold veto power, which has been used to block critical resolutions, including those condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Stefanik criticized this imbalance of power, stating that it undermines the U.N.’s ability to act decisively on pressing global challenges. She called for a reevaluation of U.S. strategies to counter such influence.
Lawmakers on the committee also probed Stefanik’s views on improving U.N. effectiveness. They questioned her plans to ensure that American contributions are not misused. Stefanik pledged to work closely with allies and push for reforms that promote transparency, reduce waste, and increase accountability.
Her nomination is expected to draw support from Trump’s Republican base, which strongly backs the “America First” agenda. However, it could face resistance from Democrats concerned about reduced U.S. engagement with multilateral organizations.
Stefanik defended her approach, emphasizing that reforming the U.N. does not mean abandoning its mission. Instead, she said, it ensures that the organization remains relevant and capable of addressing modern challenges.
“I believe in the potential of the United Nations to be a force for good,” Stefanik said. “But we must not allow it to become a platform for anti-American agendas or a breeding ground for inefficiency and corruption.”
The hearing also touched on broader geopolitical issues, including the growing tensions between the U.S. and China. Stefanik highlighted the need to counter China’s expanding influence in international organizations. She described this as a critical aspect of safeguarding U.S. interests on the global stage.
Stefanik’s confirmation hearing set the stage for a contentious debate about the future of U.S. involvement in the U.N. While her critics worry that her approach may alienate allies, her supporters argue that an assertive stance is necessary to protect American values and priorities.
As the Senate Foreign Relations Committee reviews her nomination, the outcome could signal the direction of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s administration. Stefanik’s focus on reform, accountability, and the “America First” agenda underscores a shift toward a more calculated and strategic engagement with global institutions.
If confirmed, Stefanik will face the challenge of navigating complex international dynamics while advocating for reforms that align the U.N.’s work with American goals.
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