US permanent rep candidate to UN Stefanik declares readiness to promote ‘peace through force’
Elise Stefanik, a candidate for the post of permanent representative of the United States to the United Nations, said that if appointed, her priorities would be to "put America first" and "reform the United Nations" by promoting "peace through strength."
“If confirmed, I will work to ensure that our mission to the United Nations serves the interests of the American people and represents President Trump's America First peace through strength foreign policy,” Stefanik said during a hearing in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, according to CBS.
She stressed that at a time when the world is "facing crisis after crisis," it is important for the United States to take a leadership position, including through force. She also stressed the importance of maintaining an ally in Israel.
“As a Member of Congress, I also understand deeply that we must be good stewards of U.S. taxpayer dollars. The U.S. is the largest contributor to the U.N. by far. Our tax dollars should not be complicit in propping up entities that are counter to American interests, antisemitic, or engaging in fraud, corruption, or terrorism,” Stefanik said.
She called for investments in programs that strengthen U.S. national security, as well as reforms that enhance the effectiveness of UN programs.
“If confirmed, I will be the first UN Ambassador in over two decades to come directly from Congress, and I have a deep respect and understanding of the oversight and appropriations role of the legislative branch. And I look forward to using my strong House and Senate relationships to deliver these much-needed reforms," she concluded.
Stefanik defended Trump's "America First" message and agenda, insisting that the U.S. needs to focus its spending, energy, and attention on issues directly affecting the United States. Although Stefanik has supported military aid to Ukraine in the past and voted for sanctions against Russia before Russia expanded its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, she opposed recent additional aid. In April 2024, she was one of 112 Republicans who voted against a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine.
When Trump announced her as his candidate for the post of representative to the United Nations, Stefanik stated that she was ready to assist in the restoration by President Donald Trump of the world, based on the principle of "America first", through strong leadership on the world stage from the first day.