US President Donald Trump's administration withdrew Elise Stefanik's nomination to be US ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday.

Stefanik, a staunch Republican ally of Trump, is currently a representative for an upstate New York district in the House of Representatives.

Elise is 'one of my biggest allies,' Trump says

The Trump administration has been concerned that if Stefanik becomes the US envoy to the UN, it would weaken their Republican majority in the House. She took office in 2015.   

"We must be unified to accomplish our mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning. I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest allies, to remain in Congress," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

"I don't want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise's seat," the president added.

At the same time, Trump said he looks forward to when Elise is "able join my Administration in the future," describing her as "FANTASTIC."  

Stefanik, who is 40 years old, holds pro-Israel views when it comes to foreign policy which would have influenced her time as US envoy to the UN. She also stood by Trump in his first term from 2017 to 2021 amid controversy, as she voted against his impeachment by the House in 2019 and 2021.

How big exactly is the Republican House majority and why does it matter? 

Republicans currently have 218 seats in the US House, whereas Democrats have 213. 

A strong Republican majority is necessary for Trump to pursue his legislative agenda. The larger the majority, the more likely it is for Trump-backed legislation to pass the lower chamber of Congress even if there are dissenting Republican votes. 

If Stefanik would have left the House, there would have been a special election in her New York district to replace her. 

There are are already two other special House elections slated for April 1, both in Florida. They are in two districts which strongly backed Trump in the 2024 election against Kamala Harris. 

Mike Waltz, who is now Trump's national security advisor, had vacated his House seat in Florida, requiring a special vote there. 

Matt Gaetz also gave up his Florida seat after he had been nominated for attorney general by Trump. Gaetz later said he wouldn't take the attorney general job amid allegations of ethics violations.

Edited by: Zac Crellin