President-elect Trump nominated former acting attorney general Matthew G. Whitaker to be the next ambassador to NATO, taking on the role at a critical time amid tensions over Russia's war in Ukraine and defense spending across the Western security alliance. was selected to fulfill this purpose.
In a statement, President Trump called Whitaker “a strong warrior and a loyal patriot who will steadfastly advance and protect America's national interests.”
“Matt will strengthen our relationships with our NATO allies and stand firm against threats to peace and stability,” Trump wrote. “I have full confidence in Matt's ability to represent the United States with strength, integrity and unwavering dedication.”
Whitaker served as acting attorney general from 2018 to 2019 during President Trump's first term. Previously, he was chief of staff to his predecessor Jeff Sessions and a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa during the Bush administration.
Whittaker also worked in private practice from 2009 until 2017, when he returned to the Department of Justice. For the past few years, I have been working as a political consultant. He earned three degrees from the University of Iowa.
Whitaker sparked controversy during Trump's first term when he made critical comments about special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Trump's alleged collusion with Russia to influence the 2016 election. .
In 2018, Mr. Whitaker refused to step down from his Justice Department oversight role overseeing Mr. Mueller's investigation, despite accusations of a conflict of interest from Democrats and other critics.
Professional ethics officials ultimately concluded that Whittaker had no conflict of interest, but said there were legitimate questions about his impartiality.
Mr. Mueller ultimately found no evidence of collusion, but left questions about whether Mr. Trump obstructed justice during the investigation. Several Trump allies were each convicted of tax evasion, lying to the FBI and investigators, and other charges related to the investigation.
If confirmed by the Senate, Whitaker would work with NATO at a perilous time as Western allies continue to support Ukraine in its war against Russia. President Trump has promised to end the war by the time he takes office, stoking fears among European and NATO allies that he might concede territory from Ukraine to reach a deal.
President Trump has also been highly critical of European countries for not paying enough for their defense, and earlier this year said he would let Russia “do whatever it wants” to allies that don't pay.
There are also concerns that Trump may withdraw from NATO. As many European countries prepare for dramatic changes under the Trump administration, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has expressed confidence in cooperation with the incoming administration.
Whitaker will be joined by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as secretary of state, Rep. Mike Walz (R-Fla.) as national security adviser, and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Fla.) as national security adviser. He joins a growing list of candidates for President Trump's foreign policy and national security positions, including: .Y.) Ambassador to the United Nations. He also selected controversial candidates, including Fox News personality Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense and Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence.
