Elise Stefanik has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. This nomination comes as part of Trump's incoming administration, with confirmation hearings currently underway.

Elise Stefanik, a Republican Congresswoman from New York, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 at the age of 30, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Initially regarded as a moderate Republican, she has since aligned closely with Trump and has been a vocal supporter of his policies, particularly during his impeachment trials.

At present, she serves as the House Republican Conference Chair and has been recognized for her leadership within the party. She gained significant attention for her defence of Trump during his first impeachment trial and has been active in addressing issues related to antisemitism on college campuses.

During her recent confirmation hearing, Stefanik emphasized her commitment to advancing Trump's "America First" agenda and reaffirmed strong support for Israel. She stated that Israel has a "biblical right" to the West Bank, a position that aligns with right-wing Israeli officials and contrasts sharply with the previous administration's policies.

Stefanik also outlined plans to scrutinize U.S. funding to the UN and its agencies, aiming to ensure that taxpayer dollars are allocated effectively. She expressed intentions to counter China's influence within the UN and emphasized the need for reforms that prioritize U.S. interests.

Stefanik reiterated her commitment to defending Israel against what she described as unjust targeting by the UN, condemning perceived anti-Semitic sentiments within the organization.

She highlighted China's growing influence in global affairs and pledged to develop strategies to counteract its reach, especially in developing nations.

When questioned about Palestinian self-determination, Stefanik's responses were seen as evasive, prompting criticism from some lawmakers regarding her stance on Palestinian rights.

If confirmed, Stefanik is expected to prioritise these issues as part of her diplomatic role at the United Nations.

ANI