Matthew Whitaker, former acting attorney general under President Trump, has been nominated to serve as the United States ambassador to NATO. This decision arrives at a pivotal moment, with the war in Ukraine still raging and NATO members facing ongoing discussions about defense spending.
In his announcement, President Trump highlighted Whitaker’s strength and loyalty, describing him as a steadfast defender of U.S. interests. He expressed full confidence in Whitaker’s ability to enhance relations with NATO allies and global challenges, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to integrity and strength.
Whitaker previously served as acting attorney general for a brief period during Trump’s first term, stepping in after Jeff Sessions’ resignation in 2018. Before that, he held the position of U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa during President George W. Bush’s administration.
NATO appointment for former acting attorney general comes at critical moment
Additionally, Whitaker has experience in private legal practice and political consulting, as well as three degrees from the University of Iowa. His tenure at the Department of Justice stirred controversy, particularly over his stance on the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Whitaker faced pressure to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation due to potential conflicts of interest, but a career ethics official found no direct conflict.
However, questions about his impartiality lingered. The investigation concluded with no evidence of collusion, though questions remained regarding potential obstruction of justice by Trump.
Lawmakers’ reactions to Whitaker’s nomination have been mixed, with Republicans largely supportive and Democrats raising concerns. Some Republican senators, including Rand Paul and Pete Ricketts, expressed confidence in Whitaker’s qualifications, with Ricketts emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong NATO relations and ensuring allies contribute adequately to defense spending.
On the other hand, several Democratic senators, including Chris Van Hollen, voiced skepticism about Whitaker’s lack of foreign policy experience and his past conduct at the DOJ.
If confirmed, Whitaker will take on his role at NATO during a time of heightened global tension. With Trump’s rhetoric questioning NATO’s effectiveness and suggesting a potential withdrawal from the alliance, there are concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to European security. Trump’s earlier comments on NATO defense spending and his stance on the war in Ukraine have only added to these uncertainties.
Whitaker is the latest addition to a growing roster of Trump’s foreign policy and national security appointees, which also includes figures like Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser.
Alongside these choices, Trump has made more unconventional selections, such as Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, signaling his preference for political outsiders in key roles.
