Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has embarked on a crucial journey to secure Senate confirmation as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In a series of strategic meetings spanning two days, the current House GOP chair engaged with ten Republican senators to outline her qualifications and vision for U.S. diplomacy at the U.N.

Meetings with Key Senators

Stefanik’s road to confirmation commenced with a flurry of meetings that began on a Wednesday. Over the course of her discussions, she met with a notable lineup of senators, including Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Shelley Capito (R-W.Va.). The following day, she continued her outreach with meetings with Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

During these sessions, Stefanik seized the opportunity to present her strong support for Israel and her commitment to combating antisemitism. These topics are not merely rhetorical, but pivotal pillars of her public service record. She took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share insights and photos from her meetings, emphasizing discussions around standing with Israel and supporting Trump’s “America First” national security strategy focused on “peace through strength.”

Senate Support and Key Statements

The response from Senate members has been largely favorable. Outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was particularly outspoken about Stefanik’s suitability for the ambassadorial role. In a statement, he remarked, “The world’s largest international organization is in dire need of a wake-up call, and Representative Stefanik is uniquely well-suited to deliver it.”

McConnell further praised her capacity to provide “uncompromising moral clarity” against biases toward Israel within the U.N. He characterized the organization as “corrupted by authoritarians,” underscoring the importance of having a strong voice like Stefanik’s in that forum. His remarks included a call for accountability regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its alleged contribution to hostility against Israel. “I hope and expect she will be a proud proponent of an American foreign policy based on peace through strength,” McConnell articulated.

Context and Controversies Around the U.N.

Stefanik’s nomination discussions emerge during a complex geopolitical backdrop, notably with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. Allegations of “crimes against humanity and war crimes” were directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. These moves drew immediate condemnation from the Biden administration and the Pentagon. President Biden firmly rejected the charges, asserting, “Whatever the ICC might imply, there is no equivalence – none – between Israel and Hamas.”

In her tenure, Stefanik has persistently advocated for Israel, particularly in light of its military actions in response to the October 7 terror attacks. Her commitment extends to opposing Iran-backed terrorist organizations, positioning her as a consistent ally of Israel on the global stage.

Criticism of UNRWA and Funding for the U.N.

Just last month, Stefanik called for a “complete reassessment” of U.S. funding for the United Nations, taking aim particularly at financial support directed towards UNRWA. She criticized the Biden administration’s approach, claiming that the U.N. agency is complicit in fostering antisemitism and has been known to misappropriate humanitarian assistance. “The Biden-Harris administration has sent over billion to UNRWA since 2021, filling the coffers of this terrorist front,” Stefanik stated on November 4. She insisted that this pattern must be halted, mirroring sentiments expressed by Trump during his administration regarding funding to the U.N.

As the largest financial contributor to the United Nations, the U.S. typically covers around 22% of its overall budget. Therefore, Stefanik’s stance on reassessing U.S. contributions could have significant implications for the future of the U.N. and its operational capacity.

Tackling Antisemitism Domestically

Beyond her foreign policy endeavors, Stefanik has taken a proactive stance against rising antisemitism within the United States. Following the attacks on October 7, she has voiced her concerns regarding the alarming increase of antisemitic incidents, particularly on college campuses. Using her position on the House Education and Workforce Committee, she has called out Ivy League institutions for their perceived failure to adequately condemn anti-Israel protests, some of which have been marked by calls for violence against Jews.

Stefanik’s commitment to addressing antisemitism—both in the international arena and within domestic borders—underscores her overall narrative as a candidate for the high-profile ambassadorial role. Her track record and her articulation of a robust U.S. policy at the United Nations are set to play pivotal roles as the Senate approaches her nomination hearings.