Senate Hearing for Trump Nominee Elise Stefanik to be held
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a confirmation hearing today for Rep. Elise Stefanik, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Alongside Senator Marco Rubio, nominated for Secretary of State, Stefanik is a prominent pick in Trump’s effort to realign U.S. foreign policy as he begins his second term. Senate Majority Leader John Thune aims to confirm both nominees on January 20, Trump’s first day back in office. With Republicans holding a Senate majority, swift confirmations are likely, potentially with bipartisan support.
Stefanik, who has limited foreign policy experience, aligns closely with Trump’s positions, particularly on Israel and Ukraine. A vocal supporter of Israel’s right to self-defense, she addressed the Knesset in May 2024, calling for unconditional U.S. war aid. On Ukraine, Stefanik has shifted from supporting NATO membership in 2022 to voting against military aid in 2024, signaling alignment with Trump’s push for negotiated settlements.
Stefanik’s UN tenure is likely to feature a combative tone, particularly on perceived anti-US and Israel biases, even as European allies distance themselves from Netanyahu. She is expected to challenge the UN’s multilateral norms more openly than her predecessor, framing U.S. foreign policy as less beholden to international consensus. While likely less confrontational toward Russia, her approach to China will continue bipartisan hardline policies, prioritizing competition over cooperation.
