(The Center Square) – America’s likely future ambassador to the United Nations condemned the “antisemitic rot” she says is pervasive in the U.N. system, vowing to defund any anti-Israel or anti-American programs if confirmed to the position.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during her Tuesday confirmation hearing that the U.N has strayed from its state mission of maintaining world peace, instead allowing terrorist sympathizers and Chinese Communist Party agents to infiltrate and wield influence at all levels.
“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 during her testimony. “We must invest in programs to strengthen our national security and deliver results, to increase the efficacy of U.N. programs we must drive reform.”
As the primary investor in the U.N. and its aid programs, America can provide a “voice of moral clarity” and instigate needed reform by tying obligations to its funding, Stefanik said.
The lawmaker had publicly contemplated completely defunding the U.N. in the past but told the committee during her hearing that she now supports making tailored cuts to any programs or initiatives that are counter to American interests and values.
Representing New York’s 21st Congressional District since 2014, Stefanik has served on the Armed Services, Education and the Workforce, and Intelligence House committees. Before running for office, the Harvard graduate served in the U.S. Domestic Policy Council during the George W. Bush administration.
Long known for her pro-Israel stance, Stefanik grilled university leaders in 2023 over their responses to antisemitic activities by university students and faculty, and she has posted daily on social media about the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack.
She told the committee that she believes Israel has a “Biblical right” to the entirety of the West Bank, while still acknowledging the current plight of the Palestinian people caught up in the war.
Stefanik also promised to push back against CCP influence in the U.N., where China will bribe other countries for their votes on U.N. initiatives.
“We cannot tolerate entities that are taken over by CCP propaganda,” she said, referencing her support for President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization.
If nominated, Stefanik’s goal as U.N. ambassador is simple: support Trump’s America First agenda.
“My vision is making sure that we’re supporting President Trump’s America First, peace through strength agenda, that we are good stewards of U.S. taxpayer dollars, and that we return to the founding mission of the United Nations, which is international peace and security,” she said.
If the Senate votes to confirm Stefanik, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will call for a special election to fill the lawmaker’s seat.
