President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated former Acting Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker to be the next U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“I am pleased to announce that former Deputy Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker, a native of Iowa, will serve as U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),” President Trump said in a statement. added.
Matt is a strong warrior and loyal patriot who will ensure the interests of the United States are advanced and protected. Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO allies, stand firm against threats to peace and stability, and put America first.
I have full confidence in Matt's ability to represent the United States with strength, integrity, and unwavering dedication. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to advance peace through strength, freedom, and prosperity around the world.
Matt is also a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa and earned his BA, MBA, and J.D. from the University of Iowa, where he played football and received the Big Ten Medal of Honor.
This position has implications for implementing the Trump administration's foreign policy, given that the president-elect is seeking more burden-sharing from NATO allies, particularly those that are not currently meeting their treaty-based obligations of spending at least 2%. It will be one of the most important. Defense spending accounts for a portion of GDP.
Mr. Trump was successful in urging NATO allies to increase their defense spending during his first administration, and is likely to do even more in his second administration.
The position will also be key as President Trump seeks to end the more than two-year war in Ukraine that has shaken NATO allies and cost the United States billions of dollars.
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