Trump taps Tom Homan for mass deportations, Elise Stefanik for UN role
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The news: US President-elect Donald Trump named former acting ICE director Tom Homan as “border czar” to lead border security and mass deportations, and appointed staunch House supporter Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador.
The context: Trump has promised “the largest deportation program in American history,” aiming to remove 20 million immigrants.
Homan, known for strict immigration enforcement during Trump’s first term, including ramped-up arrests and the “children in cages” programme, last month pledged to resume workplace raids.
Trump’s appointment of New York Representative Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador was seen as a reward for her loyalty during his impeachment defence. Stefanik has been one of Trump’s most loyal defenders in Congress, voting against certifying Joe Biden’s electoral votes in the 2020 election, and also known for her aggressive questioning of college presidents over pro-Palestinian protests.
The move may affect Republican House dynamics due to their thin majority, potentially complicating legislative processes as even one vacancy could hinder passing conservative measures.
Stefanik’s appointment, requiring Senate confirmation, follows Florida political strategist Susie Wiles’ naming as Trump’s White House chief of staff.
What they said: In a social media post, Trump said: “Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin,” adding, “I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders.”
Elon Musk, whose influence on the upcoming Trump administration was highlighted when he reportedly joined a call between the president-elect and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, voiced concerns over losing Stefanik from Congress, saying on social media that “Elise is awesome, but it might be too dicey to lose her from the House, at least for now.”
The sources: WSJ, The New York Times
