Rep. Elise Stefanik Reaffirms Commitment to Trump Agenda, Backs Out of UN Role to Protect GOP House Majority
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) appeared on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo to discuss her continued leadership role in support of President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, following the decision to withdraw her nomination as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
The move to keep Stefanik in the House reflects the political urgency of maintaining the GOP’s historically narrow majority, with the party currently clinging to a one-vote advantage.
“This is a historically slim House majority. I know that as a House leader,” Stefanik said. “The political realities are what they are, and it’s very important that we have every single vote in the House.”
President Trump’s agenda hinges on key legislative priorities, including:
- Tax cuts
- American energy independence
- Border security
Stefanik stressed that passing this upcoming reconciliation package is critical to achieving these objectives and meeting the expectations of American voters.
“This is very important that we put the American people first. Congress must pass this reconciliation package to cut taxes, unleash American energy independence, and secure the border,” she said.
A Team Player Over a Title
While Stefanik had been nominated to represent the United States at the UN, she emphasized the importance of unity and strategic sacrifice.
“I was proud to be the nominee for the United Nations. It is so important that we step up as a team in so many ways—and I am doing that,” Stefanik stated.
Her decision comes amid concern that a vacancy in her seat—one viewed as competitive—could jeopardize the GOP’s tenuous hold on the House.
Holding Higher Education Accountable
During the interview, Bartiromo also asked Stefanik about the recent resignation of Columbia University’s president, the second such departure from the school in recent months, following intense criticism of university leadership over the handling of antisemitism on campus.
Stefanik had previously played a leading role in questioning university presidents, including former Harvard President Claudine Gay, over institutional responses to antisemitism. The viral hearings triggered national backlash and prompted administrative shakeups at several elite universities.
“We have seen six high-profile university presidents resign, two of which are from Columbia, because these university presidents have failed to show moral, strong leadership,” Stefanik noted. “President Trump, as he campaigned on, is holding them accountable.”
“I’m going to continue to lead this effort in holding higher ed accountable, standing up to be good stewards of U.S. taxpayer dollars,” she added.
📺 Watch the full interview on Sunday Morning Futures via Fox News:
Elise Stefanik on advancing Trump’s America First agenda
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