President-elect Donald Trump announced that former acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker has been nominated for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“Matt is a strong warrior and loyal Patriot, who will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended,” Trump said in a statement. “Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability – He will put AMERICA FIRST.”
He wrote that Whitaker will “represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication.”
As ambassador to NATO, Whitaker will move to advance the United States’ foreign policy goals.
“The permanent representative helps formulate and articulate the U.S. position on NATO security matters as well as U.S. policy toward NATO. At National Security Council (NSC) meetings, they outline U.S. policy toward NATO and potential opportunities for cooperation with NATO allies,” the Council on Foreign Relations says. “They further advise NSC participants on the positions and actions of other NATO member states.”
Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) called Whitaker the “perfect candidate” for the role. “There will be no more bowing down to our enemies—this is the America First era,” he wrote.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) similarly said that Whitaker will do an “excellent job representing American strength on the world stage.”
