BURSTMatthew Whitaker, who served as acting attorney general during President Trump’s first term, was confirmed late Tuesday by the Senate in a 52-45 vote to be the next U.S. ambassador to NATO.
Whitaker, who has an extensive law enforcement background but light foreign policy experience, told senators during his confirmation hearing last month that if he is confirmed for the post, he would urge the alliance’s members to bolster their defense spending and showed commitment to the transnational military organization founded in 1949.
“President Trump has been clear, the United States remains committed to NATO and to the principle of peace through strength,” Whitaker said at the time.
Trump has expressed skepticism about NATO for some time and has often called on allies to invest more in defense spending. He recently said the U.S. is committed to the military alliance, a view the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed during his visit to Washington in mid-March.
Whitaker reiterated to senators last month that the U.S.’s commitment to NATO is “ironclad,” referencing Article 5 of the treaty. He vowed to press NATO member countries to commit to spending at least 5 percent on defense, proportional to their gross domestic product.
“If confirmed, when I get over there, I look forward to the conversation with all of the members on this committee about whether or not our NATO allies are really committed to the alliance,” Whitaker said during his confirmation hearing.
“They say they are. But again, are these politicians just providing empty promises? Or are they actually stepping up, understanding that the world is dangerous, and the U.S. is their best ally in a dangerous world," he added.
Whitaker, who was tapped by Trump for the role after Trump's 2024 election victory, served briefly as chief of staff to former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He also previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, and from 2009 to 2017 he worked in private practice.
“Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability,” Trump said in November. “I have full confidence in Matt’s ability to represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication.”
His confirmation comes after some Republicans have raised concerns over talk of whether Trump could give up the U.S.'s leadership role within the alliance.