Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Elise Stefanik

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Elise Stefanik.

Elise Stefanik is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. representative for New York's 21st congressional district. She notably held the position of Chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2025. Representing a district encompassing the North Country, Adirondack Mountains, and Utica suburbs, Stefanik made history as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress when she first won her seat in 2014 at the age of 30.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2008: Related to the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008

In 2017, Elise Stefanik co-sponsored the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act in the 115th Congress, legislation that could eliminate genetic privacy protections enacted under the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008.

2016: Supported ending House investigation into Russian interference

In 2016, Elise Stefanik supported ending the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections, despite objections from Committee Democrats.

2016: Voted to release Nunes memo

In 2016, Elise Stefanik voted to release the Nunes memo, which was written by staff members of Representative Devin Nunes and claimed to discredit the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. The FBI disputed the memo's accuracy.

2017: Co-sponsored Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act

In 2017, Elise Stefanik co-sponsored the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act in the 115th Congress, legislation that could eliminate genetic privacy protections and allow companies to require employees to undergo genetic testing or risk paying a penalty.

November 2019: Became a key defender of Trump during impeachment hearings

During the November 2019 impeachment hearings against President Trump, Elise Stefanik became a key defender of Trump, leading to a controversy where she accused committee chairman Adam Schiff of preventing Republican committee members from controlling their time to question witnesses. This event increased her visibility and solidified her role as a staunch Trump supporter.

December 2020: Joined amicus brief to overturn 2020 election

In December 2020, Elise Stefanik joined over 100 GOP House members in an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

December 2020: Supported Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit

In December 2020, Elise Stefanik supported the lawsuit Texas v. Pennsylvania, an attempt to reverse Donald Trump's loss in the 2020 presidential election by petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to reject certified results in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia.

December 2020: Appeared to support Newsmax's claim about Dominion Voting Systems

In December 2020, during an interview with Newsmax, Elise Stefanik appeared to support Newsmax's baseless claim that Dominion Voting Systems had helped Joe Biden "steal" the election from Donald Trump. This was despite the lack of evidence and Newsmax later retracting the claim after legal settlement.

2020: Backed attempts to overturn election

In 2020, Elise Stefanik backed Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election, objecting to Pennsylvania's electoral votes.

2020: Backed Trump's attempts to overturn the presidential election

In 2020, Elise Stefanik backed Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election.

January 6, 2021: Condemned Capitol violence but rejected Trump's fault

On January 6, 2021, after the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Elise Stefanik condemned the violence but rejected the idea that President Trump was at fault. She voted against accepting Pennsylvania's electoral votes and later opposed impeaching Trump for inciting the attack.

May 19, 2021: Voted Against January 6 Commission

On May 19, 2021, Elise Stefanik and other House Republican leaders voted against establishing a January 6 commission to investigate the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

2021: Paladino's controversial comments

In 2021, Carl Paladino made controversial comments, praising Adolf Hitler. Despite the backlash, Stefanik did not withdraw her endorsement.

2021: Objected to Pennsylvania's electoral votes

In 2021, Elise Stefanik objected to Pennsylvania's electoral votes after the January 6th Capitol attack and claimed Nancy Pelosi was responsible for the attack.

2021: Claimed Democrats were orchestrating "permanent election insurrection"

In a Facebook campaign advertisement in 2021, Elise Stefanik claimed that Democrats were orchestrating a "permanent election insurrection" by granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants in order to "overthrow our current electorate and create a permanent liberal majority in Washington".

2022: Criticized Biden administration during infant formula shortage

During the 2022 United States infant formula shortage, Elise Stefanik criticized the Biden administration for supplying baby formula to undocumented immigrants, claiming that the administration was prioritizing immigrants over American citizens. She also accused the Democrats of collaborating with unspecified "pedo grifters" and alluded to QAnon conspiracy theories. These statements sparked controversy and accusations of promoting the white nationalist replacement theory.

December 2023: Questioning of University Presidents on Antisemitism

In December 2023, Elise Stefanik questioned university presidents during a congressional hearing on antisemitism, which contributed to the resignation of Liz Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania.

December 2023: Stefanik votes against expelling Santos

In December 2023, Stefanik voted against expelling George Santos from the House of Representatives, citing concerns regarding due process.

2023: House Education and Workforce Committee Hearing

During a 2023 hearing on antisemitism of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Stefanik questioned university presidents regarding whether "calling for the genocide of Jewish people" constituted bullying or harassment on their campuses. Following the hearing UPenn president Liz Magill resigned.

September 2024: Criticized the United Nations for extreme antisemitism

In September 2024, Elise Stefanik criticized the United Nations's "extreme antisemitism and moral depravity" and has called on President Joe Biden to "unequivocally support Israel’s right to defend itself against both brutal terrorists and biased international organizations".

October 2024: Called for reassessment of US funding of the UN

In October 2024, Elise Stefanik called for a "complete reassessment of US funding of the United Nations" after the Palestinian Authority attempted to expel Israel from the UN due to human rights abuses in Gaza.