President Donald Trump has withdrawn Representative Elise Stefanik’s nomination for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The decision was made to protect the Republican Party’s narrow majority in the House of Representatives, where they hold a 218-213 advantage. Stefanik supported the move, stating she is “proud to be a team player” and remains committed to her role in Congress.
Meanwhile, the U.S. economy presents mixed signals. The Commerce Department reported a 2.4% annual growth rate for the last quarter of 2024, driven by strong consumer spending. However, a Federal Reserve survey highlights struggles among small businesses, with declining revenues and stagnant employment growth raising concerns.
Public perception of the economy remains divided. A CBS News poll found that only one-third of Americans view economic conditions positively, while nearly half believe things are getting worse. Despite these concerns, economic data suggests a gradual slowdown rather than a sharp downturn.
These contrasting trends highlight the complexity of the current economic landscape, where positive growth metrics coexist with business challenges and consumer uncertainty.
