President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Matthew G. Whitaker, former Acting Attorney General and Iowa native, will serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Trump praised Whitaker’s qualifications and character in a formal statement, calling him a “strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who embodies the values needed to defend and advance America’s interests within NATO.
Trump said in a 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.”
During his undergraduate years between 1990 and 1992, Whitaker was a backup tight end for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, and he played in the 1991 Rose Bowl, according to far-left Wikipedia.
After completing his law degree, Whitaker moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he practiced law from 1995 to 2001 before returning to Iowa
Whitaker was an active participant in politics. He ran as a Republican candidate for Treasurer of Iowa in 2002 but was defeated by the incumbent Democrat Michael Fitzgerald. In 2014, he was a candidate in the Republican primary for the United States Senate in Iowa, finishing fourth with 7.54% of the votes.
Whitaker served as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa from 2004 to 2009. His appointment, suggested by Senator Chuck Grassley and nominated by President George W. Bush, was initially delayed due to objections regarding his legal experience. As U.S. Attorney, Whitaker aggressively targeted drug-related crimes and participated in anti-terrorism task forces.
Whitaker was appointed as the Acting U.S. Attorney General by President Donald Trump on November 7, 2018, following the resignation of Jeff Sessions.
His appointment was under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, and he directly oversaw Robert Mueller’s Special Counsel investigation during this period. His term as Acting Attorney General ended on February 14, 2019, when William Barr was confirmed and sworn in.
