What to Know About Matthew Whitaker, Trump’s Nominee for NATO Ambassador

The longtime Trump ally also served under the president-elect’s first administration.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker speaks to state and local law enforcement on efforts to combat violent crime and the opioid crisis in Des Moines, Iowa, on Nov. 14, 2018. Scott Morgan/Reuters

Former Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker is Donald Trump’s pick to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO, the Western alliance the president-elect once said was in danger of making itself “obsolete.”

In a Nov. 20 statement announcing the nomination, Trump described Whitaker as “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who will “ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended.”