Former Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to NATO. Trump praised Whitaker as a “strong warrior and loyal Patriot,” expressing confidence in his ability to advance U.S. interests, strengthen NATO alliances, and confront global threats. Whitaker’s appointment follows heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia, especially after President Putin lowered Russia’s nuclear thresholds in response to U.S. missile support for Ukraine.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Whitaker is a lawyer and former athlete, having played tight end for the University of Iowa’s Big Ten championship football team. He earned a juris doctor from the University of Iowa in 1995. Whitaker’s career spans private practice, corporate counsel, and five years as a U.S. attorney. He briefly served as Acting Attorney General under Trump in 2018-2019, overseeing the Justice Department’s initiatives, including the rollout of a bump stock ban and supervision of the Mueller investigation.
Whitaker has twice run for office, unsuccessfully seeking the Iowa state treasurer position in 2002 and a U.S. Senate seat in 2014. If confirmed, he will replace Ambassador Julianne Smith, representing the U.S. in NATO discussions. Whitaker’s appointment marks a shift in Trump’s view on NATO, which he once called “obsolete” but has since acknowledged as vital to addressing terrorism and security concerns.
Also read: Gautam Adani Indicted in US Bribery and Fraud Case
