President-elect Donald Trump has announced his pick for U.S. ambassador to NATO: Matthew Whitaker.
Whitaker, who served as acting attorney general during Trump’s first term, is described by Trump as a strong and loyal patriot who will make sure the U.S. interests are protected.
Trump believes Whitaker will strengthen NATO alliances and stand strong against any threats to peace and stability, always putting “AMERICA FIRST.”
If confirmed, Whitaker will lead the U.S. mission to NATO at a time when NATO faces tough challenges, especially in its support of Ukraine against Russia.
Whitaker will also likely push NATO countries to increase their defense spending, just like Trump did during his first term.
Earlier this year, NATO set up a mission to coordinate military aid for Ukraine, a move largely driven by the U.S. Some saw it as a way to ensure continued support for Ukraine, even as Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance questioned how long the U.S. should stay committed to the war effort.
During his campaign, Trump also said he would only honor NATO’s mutual defense agreement with countries that contribute enough to defense spending.
He even recalled telling a leader of a big country that if they didn’t pay their fair share, the U.S. would not defend them in case of a Russian invasion.
In a speech earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for more defense cooperation and investment between Europe, North America, and global partners to keep everyone safe.
Trump also named Michigan GOP chair Pete Hoekstra as his choice for U.S. ambassador to Canada. Hoekstra, who was the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump’s first term, is a founding member of NATO.
Whitaker, though, doesn’t have a foreign policy background. He’s best known for his role as acting attorney general after Trump fired Jeff Sessions, mainly because Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation.
Whitaker was openly critical of the investigation and took charge of it briefly, sparring with Democrats who questioned his appointment and challenged him during testimony.
Before his time as acting attorney general, Whitaker was the U.S. attorney for Iowa’s Southern District and served as chief of staff to Sessions.
