President-elect Donald Trump has chosen lawyer Matthew Whitaker as his nominee for U.S. ambassador to NATO, a position that may be one of the most high-profile roles during Trump’s second administration.
Whitaker, who served as acting attorney general for three months in 2017-2021, has been actively involved with the America First Policy Institute, a right-leaning think tank that aims to shape policy for Trump’s second term. Whitaker was known for his strong criticism of a special counsel investigation into contacts between Trump’s campaign and Russian officials.
Trump has expressed confidence in Whitaker’s ability to represent the United States with strength, integrity, and dedication. The president-elect stated that he looks forward to working closely with Whitaker as they promote “peace through strength,” freedom, and prosperity around the world.
Whitaker’s appointment is part of Trump’s trend of selecting loyalists over those with proven foreign policy expertise. In contrast, Joe Biden’s nominee for the role, Julianne Smith, had more extensive experience in national security.
The decision follows a history of strained U.S.-NATO relations during Trump’s first term, with the president criticizing NATO and accusing European members of not spending enough on defense.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-picks-matthew-whitaker-nominee-nato-ambassador-statement-2024-11-20