In a stunning reversal, President Trump has recalled the nomination of congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Ny.) to be his ambassador to the United Nations.
For Trump, the decision comes down to simple math: House Republicans' narrow majority leaves little room for error as they prepare to pass Trump's agenda.
"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 wrote.
A stalwart Trump ally, Stefanik first won attention for defending Trump during the Ukraine impeachment saga and later received praise for her withering questioning of Ivy League presidents over campus anti-Semitism.
She would have brought a staunchly pro-Israel viewpoint to her work at the United Nations, which is often critical of the Jewish state.
Trump won Stefanik's district in upstate New York by 30 points, but the uncertainty of a special election there appears to have weighed on the president.
The GOP is also growing concerned about an April 1 special election in Florida to fill the seat formerly held by Mike Waltz, who is now Trump's national security adviser. The Republican candidate in the race, Randy Fine, is trailing his Democratic opponent in fundraising.
"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," Trump wrote.
The news of Stefanik's withdrawal has emboldened Democrats, who have felt encouraged by a recent upset in Pennsylvania after months of struggling to oppose Trump.
"Republicans and Donald Trump knew they were on track to lose the special election because of their deeply unpopular, disastrous agenda," DCCC spokesperson Courtney Rice.
Trump expanded on his decision to pull Stefanik Friday, saying it boils down to "politics 101."
“We don’t want to take any chances, so I went to Elise and I said, ‘Elise, do you mind?’” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
“We don’t want to take any chances. It’s as simple as that. It’s basic politics. It’s politics 101. She’s very popular. She’s going to win.”
Reacting to the shocking change of fortune, Stefanik told Fox News' Hannity that she is "proud to be a team player."
