President-elect Trump has named his former acting attorney general, Matthew G. Whitaker, as the next ambassador to NATO, selecting him to fill the role at a crucial time amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and tensions over defense spending across the Western security alliance.
In a statement, Trump said that Whitaker was a “strong warrior and loyal Patriot, who will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended.”
“Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of 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 was the acting attorney general under Trump’s first term, from 2018-19. Previously, he was chief of staff to his predecessor, Jeff Sessions, and a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa under the Bush administration.
Whitaker also served in private practice from 2009-17, when he rejoined the Department of Justice. For the past few years has been a political consultant. He earned three degrees from the University of Iowa.
Whitaker drew controversy in Trump’s first term when he made critical comments of the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Trump’s alleged collusion with Russia to influence the 2016 election.
In 2018, Whitaker refused to recuse himself from the DOJ’s supervisory role that oversaw the Mueller investigation, despite calls from Democrats and other critics about a conflict of interest.
A career ethics official ultimately concluded that Whitaker did not have a conflict of interest, but said there were reasonable questions about his impartiality.
Mueller ultimately found no evidence of collusion but left open a question of whether Trump obstructed justice during his investigation. Several Trump allies were convicted separately for tax fraud, lying to the FBI or investigators and other charges related to the investigation.
If confirmed by the Senate, Whitaker will work with NATO at a perilous time, as Western allies continue to support Ukraine in the war against Russia. Trump has pledged to end the war by the time he takes office, stoking fears in Europe and among NATO allies that he will concede territory in Ukraine to reach a deal.
Trump is also highly critical of European nations that don’t pay enough in defense spending, saying earlier this year he would let Russia “do whatever the hell they want” to allies that don’t pay up.
There are also concerns that Trump could withdraw from NATO. Many European nations have been bracing for dramatic changes under Trump, but NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has expressed confidence in working with the incoming administration.
Whitaker joins a growing list of Trump’s foreign policy and national security picks, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for secretary of Sstate, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla) for national security adviser and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) for ambassador to the United Nations. He has also selected controversial nominees, including Fox News personality Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.
