Donald Trump appointed: Elise Stefanik photo for the US ambassador to the United Nations

President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he will nominate the Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik for the position of US ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik, 40, became famous last December when her incisive questioning in Congress led to the resignation of the presidents of Harvard and Pennsylvania universities.

“Stefanik is a strong, tough and smart fighter for America,” Trump said in a statement he published. “I am honored to appoint her to my cabinet as the US ambassador to the United Nations.”

Stefanik, who won the last election with over 63% of the vote in her New York district, has become a rising Republican star in recent years. She made her big breakthrough at a hearing in the Congressional Education Committee, when she asked the presidents of the leading universities: “Does calling for the extermination of Jews constitute a violation of the university’s regulations?” Their evasive answers led to a public uproar and their resignation.

A Harvard graduate herself, Stefanik currently serves as the fourth-highest ranking Republican in the House of Representatives. She is considered a close ally of Trump, served on his defense team in the first impeachment trial in 2020, and has led Republican criticism of what she calls the “Biden crime family.”

“The work ahead of us is enormous,” Stefanik said in response to the publication of the appointment. “We are seeing an increase in anti-Semitism alongside four years of weak American leadership that has harmed our national security and our standing in the eyes of allies and rivals alike. I am ready to promote the renewal of President Trump’s ‘America First’ policy in the international arena from day one at the United Nations.”

The appointment is expected to mark a significant change in American policy at the United Nations, which has received conservative criticism due to the fact that dictatorial countries such as China and Cuba serve as representatives on the Human Rights Council, while the General Assembly routinely passes resolutions against Israel by large majorities. Recently, the United Nations has also been criticized for its response to the war between Israel and Hamas and it is claimed that members of his organizations took an active part in Hamas attacks against Israel.

Those close to Trump point out that the appointment reflects his appreciation of her ability to present firm positions in the international arena, in marked contrast to outgoing ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who avoided media exposure. However, Stefanik’s appointment may temporarily reduce the already slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives. According to the law, New York Governor Cathy Hochul would have to call a special election within 10 days of the seat being vacated, which would be held within another 70-80 days.