President Donald Trump claimed in a late-night post to his Truth Social platform that his administration has managed to staff up in record time, with more than 2,200 appointments and positions filled just a few months into office.
“My Administration is breaking all modern Presidential Staffing Records since taking Office on January 20th. The Presidential Personnel Office has made over 2,200 offers, all accepted, to exceptionally qualified Candidates, who are helping us MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. We have sent more Nominations to the Senate than anyone ever before, and will continue to hire America First Patriots as we work together to unleash our Nation’s Golden Age!” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform.
While Trump has managed to quickly get most of his Cabinet picks confirmed, he withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday, arguing that the New York Republican’s exit from the House posed an unacceptable risk to advancing his marquee legislation.
“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress. We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“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,” he added.
With a House majority of 218-213, the GOP can only afford to lose two votes on any party-line bill. Stefanik’s anticipated resignation to assume the UN role would have jeopardized the progress of crucial border, energy, and tax legislation scheduled to reach President Trump’s desk by Memorial Day, the New York Post reported.
Sources familiar with the shake-up said that the Stefanik withdrawal was “absurd” and “a surprise,” the outlet claimed.
“It’s a surprise. It’s a bombshell. Trump made a decision — and that’s it,” said one New York Republican official who requested anonymity.
The congresswoman was expected to be confirmed by the Senate on April 2, with an initial news conference scheduled at UN headquarters in Turtle Bay for the following day.
Before the White House announced the nomination, a source close to the administration revealed “there’s been recent talks between [the] White House and Speaker [Mike Johnson]’s office about if it’s in [the] best interest of [the] House Majority and president’s agenda to pull the nomination.” That source told The Post that the decision was really “all about the math.”
“With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat,” Trump said in his statement. “There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations. Therefore, Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People.”
Johnson (R-La.) stated in a press release that he intended to “invite” Stefanik to immediately rejoin the leadership team, even though her former role as conference chair is now being held by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.).
“Elise Stefanik is truly a great leader and a devoted patriot. Today’s selfless decision shows America what those of us who work with her already know. She is deeply devoted to her country and fully committed to see President Trump’s agenda succeed in Congress,” the speaker noted. “There is no doubt she would have served with distinction as our ambassador to the United Nations, but we are grateful for her willingness to sacrifice that position and remain in Congress to help us save the country.”
Stefanik, 40, was among the first Trump nominees to undergo vetting, and she cleared the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by a voice vote on January 30.