In a heated exchange on Fox News, New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik found herself on the defensive when host Shannon Bream confronted her about past criticisms she made of former President Donald Trump during the 2016 election cycle. Bream read excerpts from a New York Times article that quoted Stefanik calling Trump a "whack job" and stating that he was "insulting to women."

Stefanik, who currently serves as the Republican Conference chair, expressed her displeasure with Bream for quoting the unnamed sources from The New York Times. She accused the publication of spreading false information, claiming that the names mentioned in the article were fabricated. However, Bream pointed out that the article did include quotes from named individuals.

When confronted with her statement about Trump being "insulting to women" in reference to the infamous Access Hollywood tape, Stefanik attempted to shift blame onto the Democrats, suggesting that the tape was leaked by NBC News or "Today" show. However, a source from The Wrap stated that the leak came from within NBC News.

Stefanik stated that while she found the Access Hollywood tape insulting, she stood by and supported Trump throughout his presidency. She emphasized that Trump had supported women by appointing them to senior positions and promoting women's economic opportunities.

The congresswoman expressed her frustration at Bream for focusing on negative quotes from The New York Times article, asserting that she was the only Republican elected woman from the Northeast who supported Trump in 2016. Stefanik described herself as one of Trump's strongest allies today.

Although Stefanik has since endorsed Trump and declared herself "ultra-MAGA," it is important to note that she did not endorse him during the 2016 primary. In fact, she openly criticized his proposed policies leading up to the general election.

Stefanik's interview with Bream took place during her visit to Israel, where she delivered a speech to the nation's parliament, the Knesset. She took the opportunity to criticize President Joe Biden's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict, particularly his decision to withhold bomb shipments due to concerns about civilian casualties.

As Stefanik seeks to position herself as a potential vice presidential running mate for Trump in 2024, her past statements and evolving relationship with the former president are likely to receive increased scrutiny.