House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is being considered for a role in the new Trump administration, according to sources. Stefanik was the first congressional leader to endorse President-elect Donald Trump's third White House campaign in November 2022. She is now being discussed as a potential candidate for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, with sources indicating she is 'high on the list' of potential candidates.
Stefanik's chances, along with other House lawmakers vying for Trump administration roles, will depend heavily on the outcome of the House majority. While Republicans are optimistic about retaining the House majority after successes in the Senate and White House, the final result may hinge on close races in states like California, Arizona, Alaska, and Oregon. Replacing a House member typically takes several weeks, and Republican leaders are eager to advance Trump's agenda using their congressional majorities without delay.
Stefanik, a senior member of the House permanent select committee on Intelligence and the House Armed Services Committee, has a background in foreign affairs. She has been a strong supporter of Israel and a close ally of Trump, having actively campaigned for him. Stefanik has announced her intention to run for her current leadership role as chair of the House GOP conference again.
Another House member, retired Green Beret Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., is also under consideration for a Trump administration role. Waltz, a potential candidate for Defense secretary, has a military background and experience advising Defense Secretaries Robert Gates and Donald Rumsfeld. He currently serves on the House Armed Services and Intelligence committees, as well as the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that President-Elect Trump will soon begin making decisions on appointments for his second administration, with announcements to follow when decisions are made.
