Trump picks former acting AG for key NATO role - what you need to know
Trump names his ex-acting attorney general **Matthew Whitaker** to represent US at NATO despite limited diplomatic background. The pick comes amid complex discussions about European defense spending
In a mid-nov announcement Donald Trump picked his former acting attorney-general Matthew Whitaker as the next US representative to NATO: a decision that puts loyalty ahead of traditional diplomatic experience
I will encourage Russia to do whatever they want with NATO members who dont pay their bills
The ex-presidentʼs choice reflects his well-known approach to international partnerships - Whitaker who managed the Justice dept for several months during trumps first term brings more legal than foreign-policy background to this high-ranking position
Whitaker has stayed close to trumps circle working with the right-leaning America First Policy Institute (which helps shape possible second-term policies) and was known to speak against the probe into trumpʼs 2016 campaign links with russian officials. His selection shows a clear shift from the current ambassador Julianne Smith who brings years of national security experience from her time as bidens deputy adviser
Matt is a strong warrior and loyal Patriot who will ensure the United States interests are advanced and defended
The pick comes as NATO deals with:
- Defense spending disagreements between members
- Ongoing military support for Ukraine
- Changes in European security plans
- New strategic priorities for the alliance
During his previous white house years trump often criticized NATO allies pushing them to increase their defense budgets - a stance that created some tough moments between the US and its european partners
