Stefanik tried everything to please Trump. He still jilted her.
She found herself undermined by the president and politically adrift.
From The Times
December 22, 2025

Representative Elise Stefanik, Republican of New York, was an “ultra MAGA” Trump acolyte. But she ultimately found herself undermined by President Trump and politically adrift. On Friday, she announced she’d had enough.

A tight frame with Donald Trump out of focus and Elise Stefanik in the background. She’s wearing a purple while standing in the Oval Office behind Mr. Trump.

Eric Lee for The New York Times

Her tumble from grace crystallized the risks of building a political identity around Trump. →

MORE COVERAGE

President Trump walking out of a door onto a red carpet.

Analysis

President Trump has taken America’s “imperial presidency” to a new level. →

A couple, dressed casually, sit on their living room couch, smiling at their child. A dog and a Christmas tree are nearby.

These young adults make good money. But life, they say, is unaffordable. →

Turning Point USA’s annual gathering, AmericaFest, turned into a gripefest. →

It's a pivotal moment for American politics. Join us for 2026 and beyond.

Sign up for the On Politics newsletter.

It's a pivotal moment for American politics. Join us for 2026 and beyond.

Get it in your inbox

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times.

To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018