David Friedman Resurfaces as Leading Trump Contender for UN Ambassador

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced overnight (Monday to Tuesday) that David Friedman, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Israel during Trump’s first term, is among the leading contenders for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

We Have Many Interested Candidates

Speaking to reporters after a signing ceremony at the White House, Trump said: “We have a lot of people who’ve asked about the position and would like to do it – David Friedman, Richard Grenell, and maybe 30 others.”

A Prominent Voice in Middle East Policy

Friedman played a key role in shaping Trump’s Middle East policy, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the Abraham Accords. However, he has not held an official role in Trump’s current political apparatus.

His chances for a new appointment appeared to be affected after he criticized Trump in 2022 for hosting Kanye West at the White House following the rapper’s controversial remarks.

Trump Withdraws Support for Stefanik Nomination

Trump’s announcement comes shortly after he rescinded the nomination of Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for the UN post. The decision was reportedly made out of concern for preserving the GOP’s slim majority in the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold 218 seats to the Democrats’ 213, with four vacancies.

“Every vote counts,” said a source close to the campaign, “and Trump asked Stefanik to remain in Congress to help protect the Republican majority.”