President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has selected former acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to be the U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

“Matt is a strong warrior and loyal Patriot, who will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended,” Trump said in a statement. “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 that he had full confidence in Whitaker’s ability to represent the U.S. and promote “peace through strength” and freedom around the world.

Whitaker, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A., MBA, and J.D.

Whitaker received a Big Ten award while playing college football as a tight end for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1988-1992.

The 55-year-old is viewed as a top Trump ally.

🚨 NEW: President Trump announces the nomination of @MattWhitaker46 to be U.S. Ambassador to NATO. pic.twitter.com/289AxL0GNm

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 20, 2024

Whitaker has strong foreign policy views when it comes to Russia, having warned of its attempts to interfere in U.S. elections and that it would continue its war of aggression in Europe unless NATO stands together.

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In a 2022 interview with Fox News, Whitaker said that heavy weaponry needed to be sent to Ukraine immediately to assist the country in its fight against invading Russian forces.

Here’s Whitaker on Fox back in March 2022 calling for the shipment of heavy weapons to Ukraine, warning that Poland is “next on the list.” https://t.co/J3pJkPlvOw pic.twitter.com/xtEHEQRiyJ

— Kareem Rifai 🌐 (@KareemRifai) November 20, 2024