Trump taps his former attorney general to serve as ambassador to NATO

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled his pick for a key national security position, selecting Matthew Whitaker to serve in his second administration as U.S. ambassador to NATO.

Whitaker was acting attorney general from November 2018 to February 2019 during Trump’s first term. He also previously served as chief of staff in the Justice Department and as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. Additionally, he’s been co-chair for the Center of Law & Justice at the America First Policy Institute and of counsel at Graves Garrett Greim, among other positions. He also ran for political office as a Republican candidate and appeared at rallies for Trump’s presidential campaign.

“Matt is 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 – He will put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement. “I have full confidence in Matt’s ability to represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to promote PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Freedom, and Prosperity around the World.”

Trump has been a critic of NATO and pressured other member nations to spend more on defense.

If confirmed by the Senate, Whitaker would play a key role in the alliance as it pursues a wide range of modernization efforts to counter advanced threats — including from Russia and elsewhere — such as the adoption of artificial intelligence capabilities and other digital tools and emerging technologies for military applications.

NATO officials are ramping up the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) initiative, which aims to boost cooperation on emerging tech and foster a far-reaching innovation network, with a particular focus on supporting startups.

The military pact is also looking to bolster data security and plans to publish its first commercial space strategy next year, among other efforts.

For most of the Biden administration, Julianne Smith served as U.S. ambassador to NATO. She left that post last month.