Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the United Nations Ambassador, testifies during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing for her pending confirmation on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Elise Stefanik, US President Donald Trump's choice to serve as America's top envoy to the United Nations, has vowed to counter China's ascendant influence and "significant inroads" at the intergovernmental body.

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North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik laid out her plans for action with some of the world’s biggest and smallest countries as she testified in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.

"No, Elon Musk did not do those salutes," New York Rep. Elise Stefanik told Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy when pressed before lawmakers at her confirmation hearing.

Tuesday marks President Donald Trump's first full day in office. Keep up with the USA TODAY Network's coverage of his top priorities for Americans.

Rep. Elise Stefanik opened her confirmation hearing Tuesday for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations by pledging to implement President Donald Trump’s “America First” mandate and roll out a review of U.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen questioned President Donald Trump's nominee for U.N. ambassador, Elise Stefanik, during her confirmation hearing Tuesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump "sees great promise in the United Nations if it focuses on its founding mission of international peace and security," his nominee to be ambassador told the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.

“No. Elon Musk did not do those salutes,” Stefanik replied. She said that while she was not at the inaugural rally where Musk made the move, she had been to “many” rallies with him and knows he likes to make cheerful gestures. She said it was “simply not the case” that Musk did a Nazi salute.

Elise Stefanik will defend Trump pulling out of the World Health Organization and Paris climate agreement at the United Nations if the Senate confirms her.