President-elect Donald Trump announced earlier today that Matthew Whitaker, former acting U.S. attorney general during the first Trump administration, will serve as ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in his second administration. As stated in a Trump-Vance transition press release:

I am pleased to announce that former Acting Attorney General, Matthew G. Whitaker, from the Great State of Iowa, will be the United States 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. 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.

I have full confidence in Matt’s ability to represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to promote PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Freedom, and Prosperity around the World.

Matt is also the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, and is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.A., MBA and J.D., where he played football, and received the Big Ten Medal of Honor.

In response to the announcement, Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) praised Trump’s nomination of Whitaker, claiming he is “the perfect candidate,” who will act in the best interests of the United States in NATO. He stated in a post on X: