Trump considers Grenell, Friedman for UN ambassador, confirms Gulf trip plans

President Trump has confirmed plans for his first foreign trip of his second term, which will include visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. This trip is expected to take place as early as May and comes in light of significant investment commitments from Saudi Arabia to U.S. companies. In conjunction with this announcement, Trump disclosed he has withdrawn the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik as U.N. ambassador due to concerns about her electoral vulnerability, and he mentioned potential replacements, including former ambassador David Friedman and special envoy Ric Grenell. However, Grenell has expressed reluctance to pursue the role, indicating he has 'plenty to do.' Trump emphasized the popularity of the U.N. ambassador position, referring to it as a 'star-making position.' The political dynamics surrounding the House majority were a key factor in Trump's decision to withdraw Stefanik's nomination.