Trump offers Rep. Elise Stefanik the job of ambassador to the United Nations: report

WASHINGTON — New York Rep. Elise Stefanik has accepted President-elect Donald Trump's offer to become his enforcer as UN ambassador, The Post can reveal.

The 40-year-old Upstate Republican, whose tough questions about campus anti-Semitism helped force two Ivy League presidents from office, will lead Trump's “America first” and pro-Israel message in Turtle Bay .

“I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in my Cabinet. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough and smart America First fighter,” Trump, 78, said in a statement to The Post on Sunday evening.

Stefanik, the No. 4 Republican in the House of Representatives, was a close ally of Trump, including serving on his ceremonial defense team during his first impeachment trial in 2020 for pressuring Ukraine to investigate alleged corruption in the Biden family.

The Harvard graduate worked to turn the tables on what she called the “Biden Crime Family” and regularly appeared on television to make clear Republican positions on issues – likely drawing a contrast from the outgoing UN ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield rarely received sought-after media attention.

“I am truly honored that President Trump has been nominated for the position in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,” Stefanik said in a statement confirming her acceptance of the role.

“During my conversation with President Trump, I expressed how excited I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to winning the support of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate.”

“President Trump’s historic landslide election has given hope to the American people and is a reminder that better days lie ahead — both at home and abroad,” she told the Post.

“America continues to be the lighthouse of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek.”

Stefanik will appear as the United Nations faces conservative criticism, including over the fact that the world's dictatorships – such as China and Cuba – serve as representatives on the Human Rights Council, while the General Assembly routinely passes measures critical of Israel with a lopsided majority.

More recently, the United Nations has come under fire for its response to the war between Israel and Hamas, with accusations that members of its organizations were actively involved in Hamas attacks against Israel.

In his first term, Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the United Nations World Health Organization and end the $450 million annual U.S. contribution because the WHO had failed to effectively investigate the causes of the COVID-19 pandemic in China .

Outgoing President Biden later rejoined.

The nomination was one of Trump's first major personnel decisions after he staged a stunning political comeback with his victory in swing states on Tuesday against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump previously announced his campaign manager Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, but he has not yet announced additional members of his Cabinet or other senior White House positions.

“The work ahead is immense as we see anti-Semitism skyrocketing, coupled with four years of disastrously weak U.S. leadership that has significantly weakened our national security and weakened our standing in the eyes of allies and adversaries.” said Stefanik in her statement.

“I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trump’s restoration of America First peace through strong leadership on the world stage on day one at the United Nations. “

Stefanik's departure from the House of Representatives would temporarily reduce the Republicans' already slim majority.

By law, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) must call a special election within 10 days of the seat's vacancy, which must take place within an additional 70-80 days. The Republican nominee for this election will be selected by the county's GOP chairs, rather than a primary.

Stefanik was re-elected on Tuesday with more than 63% of the vote.

A source familiar with the upcoming special election campaign described the district as “ruby red” and clearly “pro-Trump,” adding that “the seat will not remain vacant for long.”