Elise Stefanik, a strong Trump supporter and Congresswoman from New York, is reportedly feeling humiliated after Trump backed out of a promise to make her the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Instead, Trump has now picked Mike Waltz, his former National Security Advisor who was previously fired and widely criticized.
Stefanik had hoped for the ambassador role, but Trump changed his mind. With polls showing him and the Republican Party losing support and a possible recession looming, Trump decided she should stay in Congress to help the GOP keep its slim House majority — even though that goal is looking unlikely.
To make things worse for Stefanik, Waltz isn’t exactly seen as a strong replacement. Many view him as one of the least effective national security advisors in recent memory — second only to Michael Flynn, who was fired and later pardoned. Trump praised Waltz publicly on his social media platform, saying Waltz always puts America’s interests first and will serve well at the U.N.
At the same time, Trump announced that Marco Rubio, who is currently Secretary of State, will temporarily take over Waltz’s old role as national security advisor.
Waltz had already been on thin ice with Trump after a major blunder — he accidentally added a reporter to a private group chat where top Trump officials were talking about a secret military operation in Yemen. That incident, now nicknamed “Signalgate,” could come back to haunt him during his Senate confirmation hearing.
Despite the drama, Waltz accepted the nomination and said he’s honored to continue serving Trump and the country. Ironically, just days before the announcement, CNN captured footage of Waltz being turned away from boarding the presidential helicopter — making the whole situation even more awkward.
In the end, Stefanik is left out in the cold, watching someone Trump had already fired take the job she badly wanted.
