Staff ReportsDonald Trump is off to a blazing start in his second term by appointing former acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker as the new Ambassador to NATO. Whitaker, hailing from Iowa, earned a reputation as a tough-as-nails legal eagle during his time in the Justice Department. Now, he’s set to tackle the challenges of transatlantic relations with the same fervor he’s shown in his previous public service roles. It appears the President-elect is sticking with his tried and true formula: strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to put America first.
In his announcement, Trump touted Whitaker as a “strong warrior and loyal Patriot.” Such terms are not tossed around lightly, especially in a world where some allies seem to think spending 1.5% of their GDP on defense qualifies them for a Gold Star. Whitaker’s mission will be clear: ensure NATO allies step up their game when it comes to burden-sharing, which means it’s time for those countries who’ve been dragging their feet under previous administrations to start ponying up their fair share.
President-Elect Donald Trump Names Former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker U.S. Ambassador to NATO – Breitbart News https://t.co/ehBhfM32N6
— Ron Brady (@Romeobravo30) November 21, 2024
The appointment highlights a critical facet of Trump’s foreign policy philosophy: a clear expectation that allies need to actually contribute to their own defense. During his first term, Trump successfully rallied NATO countries to boost their military spending, and there is little doubt that Whitaker will be anointed as the gladiator in the ongoing arena of international negotiations. He’ll be pushing allies to meet the 2% GDP threshold that is more of a guideline than a suggestion for some European countries.
Whitaker’s extensive background, including his role as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa and his academic achievements at the University of Iowa, showcases a profile that balances intellect with action. As someone who also played football at a competitive level, he presumably understands the need to rally a team and push for a winning strategy—perfect attributes for navigating the minefield of NATO politics.
Additionally, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Whitaker’s role will be pivotal. The Biden administration’s handling of the situation has led to financial strain for the U.S., and there will certainly be pressure on Trump and Whitaker to find pathways to peace while safeguarding American interests. The aim is to end this costly conflict while maintaining strong alliances, ensuring that everyone involved doesn’t just keep looking to Uncle Sam for a handout when the bills come due.
This appointment sends a strong signal: with Whitaker at the helm, NATO allies can expect a no-nonsense negotiator who prioritizes U.S. interests and aims to foster cooperative security without coddling those who don’t contribute. The era of America being the world’s ATM might be coming to an end, and that’s music to the ears of conservatives looking for a more assertive global stance.
