Donald Trump, who increased threats towards NATO throughout his campaign, announced on Wednesday that he was appointing his lieutenant Matthew Whitaker to the crucial post of ambassador for the Atlantic Alliance.
“Matt is a strong warrior and a loyal patriot,” the president-elect said in a statement. He “will ensure that the interests of the United States are promoted and defended,” he said.
Donald Trump’s statements on NATO have come under particular scrutiny since the Republican threatened in February to no longer guarantee the protection of member countries if they did not devote a sufficient budget to their defense.
Matthew Whitaker, “will put America first” promised Donald Trump. He will “strengthen relations with our NATO allies and stand firm in the face of threats to peace and stability,” he added.
This fifty-year-old is known for having been acting Minister of Justice during Donald Trump’s first term, a position where he was accused by Democrats of being under the thumb of the Republican billionaire.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulated Donald Trump after his election, pledging to keep the Alliance united.
“His leadership will once again be a key element in keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace by strengthening NATO,” he said in a statement.
