President Trump said there are “a lot of good people” who want to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations after Rep. Elise Stefanik had her name pulled from consideration.
Speaking in the Oval Office, he told reporters some names that have been floated, including David Friedman, who previously served as ambassador to Israel during Mr. Trump’s first term, and Ric Grenell, who has served in administration positions in the past.
“And maybe 30 other people,” he said. “Everybody loves that position. That’s a star-making position.”
Mr. Trump pulled the name of Ms. Stefanik, New York Republican, from the running because of the tight GOP majority in the House. Republicans hold only a 218-213 edge in the lower chamber, with four vacancies.
He told reporters that she is “fantastic and I just don’t want to take chances.”
“We have a congressional election that’s a little bit close,” he said.
“We want to be careful,” he said. “And Elise is very popular in her district.”
He said Ms. Stefanik is “going to take a big leadership position” in the team of House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican.
