FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 30, 2025

 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

Dr. Rand Paul Releases Statement on Nomination of Representative Elise Stefanik to Serve as U.S. Ambassador to United Nations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement in support of the nomination of U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations shortly after he voted for her nomination at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee markup.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Representative Elise Stefanik on her nomination to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. I intend to support her nomination and wish her all the best in this important role representing the United States.

“I would like, however, to outline a few fundamental policy disagreements I maintain with Representative Stefanik, with the hope that a closer examination of these issues will lead to the adoption of more prudent policies. 

“Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Representative Stefanik issued a statement urging NATO to immediately admit Ukraine into the alliance. That course of action risks leading to World War III, with the United States getting pulled into a direct conflict with Russia—a country that maintains the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. It is imperative that diplomats avoid kneejerk reactions and maintain composure when confronted with serious geopolitical crises. 

“Unfortunately, Representative Stefanik’s statement neglected the principal driver of Moscow’s antipathy toward Ukraine. Fearing a western bulwark on its doorstep, the main driver of Russia’s decision to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and invade the country was, and remains, a desire to prevent the potential threat that would emanate from Ukraine should it join NATO. One must not agree with Moscow’s perspective, however it is imperative that our diplomats and policymakers strive to understand it to avoid miscalculation and effectively negotiate a lasting peace.  

“I am encouraged by Representative Stefanik’s recent vote against an additional $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, citing concerns over excessive spending and a need to address the situation at our southern border. President Trump vowed to end the needless slaughter in Ukraine, and I expect Representative Stefanik will use her position at the UN to work toward the realization of that objective. 

“The second fundamental disagreement I maintain with Representative Stefanik is her vocal support of a national ban of the popular app, TikTok. Representative Stefanik and other proponents of the ban claim that it is necessary to prevent the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from accessing Americans’ user data and prevent the spread of CCP propaganda. But in addition to a lack of evidence that TikTok poses any tangible national security threat to the United States, a ban also fundamentally infringes on the most sacred of our constitutionally protected rights—the right of free speech and expression. The United States is not better off by emulating the tactics of the CCP, which bans speech it does not like.

“Diplomacy requires give and take. It requires hard work building relationships based on mutual respect. Rather than reprimand our adversaries at every turn, we should strive to maintain productive dialogue. President Trump understands the importance of diplomacy as a means to avoid and end conflicts. As Ambassador to the United Nations, I hope Representative Stefanik will advance President Trump’s diplomatic agenda. 

“While I may disagree with Representative Stefanik’s general foreign policy disposition, I do not doubt her steadfastness and devotion to our country. It is my sincere hope that President Trump’s second administration will continue to elevate diplomacy over conflict to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a prosperous and peaceful world. I wish Representative Stefanik all the best and stand ready to offer my assistance as she prepares to represent the United States on the global stage.”

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