Stefanik pledges an ‘America First’ agenda at the UN and a review of US funding

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Elise Stefanik pledged Tuesday to push President Donald Trump’s “America First” stance if confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and roll out a review of U.S. funding critical for U.N. agencies handling health programs and more around the world.

Noting that the U.S. is the largest single contributor to the United Nations, Stefanik said at her confirmation hearing that the country has to ensure its investments are making America safer, stronger and more prosperous — echoing Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“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 in her opening remarks before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

She stressed the need to reform the U.N., where several resolutions have passed condemning Israel over its war in Gaza, and went so far as to say that it has not lived up to its founding mission. Lawmakers also noted the ability for American rivals Russia and China to veto resolutions in the most powerful U.N. body, the Security Council, notably on the invasion of Ukraine.

Sen. Jim Risch, the Republican committee chairman, set the tone by sharply criticizing the U.N., saying Stefanik “can bring much-needed change” to the institution.

“At this point, the U.S. should seriously examine if further contributions and, indeed, participation in the U.N. is even beneficial to the American people,” the Idaho lawmaker said.

The United States pays about one-fifth of the U.N.’s regular budget, and Stefanik was questioned repeatedly about U.S. support for its multiple agencies, which tackle everything from health, education and migration to reproductive rights and nuclear proliferation.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the committee, stressed the importance of America’s presence at the U.N. and how China and other adversaries could fill the vacuum if it takes a step back.

“We benefit from U.N. peacekeeping missions that would otherwise fall to the American military,” the New Hampshire lawmaker said. “We are better off because of efforts to stabilize societies and provide lifesaving assistance in places like Sudan, Syria and Ukraine.”