US ambassador to NATO changes: Senate confirms Trump's nominee
Matthew Whitaker (Photo: Getty Images)
The US Senate has confirmed Donald Trump's nominee for the post of ambassador to NATO. It was former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, according to Politico.
The confirmation of Whitaker was delayed for several hours due to a speech by Democratic Senator Cory Booker, who protested for more than 25 hours against the actions of the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress.
According to the newspaper, Whitaker's nomination as US ambassador to NATO surprised the allies, as the former acting attorney general was unknown in the security arena and had little experience in foreign policy.
Matthew Whitaker is expected to contribute to Trump's campaign to pressure NATO members to increase military spending. The US President insists that the Alliance members fulfill their commitment to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense.
Trump has also questioned the US commitment to NATO's core principle of mutual security, which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on the entire Alliance. But Whitaker told senators at his confirmation hearing last month that the administration's commitment to the Alliance is unwavering and “ironclad.”
Trump vs. NATO
Donald Trump admitted the possibility of the US withdrawal from NATO. After his return to the White House, Western media reported that Trump might withdraw US troops from Europe.
NATO is concerned about Trump's course and the resumption of his contacts with Russia.
Trump has also repeatedly criticized European countries for insufficient defense funding. He has demanded that military spending be increased to 5% of GDP, although some European countries have not reached the 2% level.
