Elise Stefanik, US President Donald Trump's choice to serve as America's top envoy to the United Nations, has vowed to counter China's ascendant influence and "significant inroads" at the intergovernmental body.

U.S. President Donald Trump "sees great promise in the United Nations if it focuses on its founding mission of international peace and security," his nominee to be ambassador told the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen questioned President Donald Trump's nominee for U.N. ambassador, Elise Stefanik, during her confirmation hearing Tuesday.

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Tuesday marks President Donald Trump's first full day in office. Keep up with the USA TODAY Network's coverage of his top priorities for Americans.

Rep. Elise Stefanik opened her confirmation hearing Tuesday for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations by pledging to implement President Donald Trump’s “America First” mandate and roll out a review of U.

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. NBC News campaign embed Alex Tabet takes a look at Stefanik's career and how she might function in the Trump administration.

“No. Elon Musk did not do those salutes,” Stefanik replied. She said that while she was not at the inaugural rally where Musk made the move, she had been to “many” rallies with him and knows he likes to make cheerful gestures. She said it was “simply not the case” that Musk did a Nazi salute.

Rep. Elise Stefanik pledged Tuesday to push President Donald Trump's "America First" stance if confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Donald Trump's choice for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, former Rep. Elise Stefanik, will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday morning around 10:30 a.m.