Donald Trump has announced the selection of former Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as US ambassador to NATO, the foundational Western alliance that Trump has questioned for years.
In a statement, Trump described Whitaker as “a strong warrior and loyal patriot” who will “ensure that the interests of the United States are advanced and defended,” as well as “relationships with our NATO allies.” Will strengthen, and will stand firm in the face of dangers.” For peace and stability.”
Whittaker's appointment as the US representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is notable because of his background in law enforcement rather than foreign policy. Whittaker, initially considered a candidate for attorney general, was dropped in favor of staunch Trump loyalist Matt Gaetz, whose nomination has sparked division within the Republican Party.
The post of NATO ambassador takes on special significance given Trump's long-standing criticism of the alliance.
Trump has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with member countries failing to meet their defense spending commitment of 2% of their GDP, questioning the United States' obligations under the NATO treaty.
Whitaker previously served as acting attorney general from November 2018 to February 2019 during the final phase of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference. Previously, he was chief of staff to Trump's first Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and took on the acting role after Sessions was fired over his involvement in the Russia investigation. Whittaker remained in office without Senate confirmation until William Barr was appointed Attorney General in February 2019.
In recent years, Whitaker has been a vocal critic of federal criminal cases against Trump, which are likely to be dismissed after Trump's election victory.
Whitaker, who appears regularly on Fox News, has repeated Republican claims that the Justice Department has been politicized over the past four years.
Trump's stance on NATO has caused concern among Western allies since his 2016 campaign, when he suggested that the United States could withdraw from its treaty obligations unless member states met their defense spending targets. Do not complete.
Farida Abdulkadiri
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