Mike Johnson Welcomes Elise Stefanik Back Into House Leadership
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) offered Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) a seat back at the leadership table after the Trump administration withdrew her nomination for U.N. Ambassador over concerns about House Republicans’ narrow majority in Congress.
“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,” Johnson said. “I will invite her to return to the leadership table immediately.”
He said that Stefanik agreeing to give up her nomination for the sake of helping the team showed that she was a “devoted patriot” and “deeply devoted to her country and fully committed to see President Trump’s agenda succeed in Congress.”
“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,” he added.
President Donald Trump announced earlier in the day that he withdrew Stefanik’s nomination because it was “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 said. “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.”
Trump added: “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!”
