Senate confirms Iowa native Matt Whitaker as Trump’s ambassador to NATO

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Iowa native Matt Whitaker late Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s U.S. ambassador to NATO, a crucial emissary to the Western alliance at a time of growing concern about the American commitment abroad.

Whitaker, who had served in Trump’s first administration at the Justice Department, brings a law enforcement background rather than deep foreign policy or national security ties. He was confirmed by the Senate on a vote of 52-45.

During a confirmation hearing, Whitaker assured senators that the Trump administration’s commitment to the military alliance was “ironclad.”

Trump has long been skeptical, and often hostile, toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which was formed by the U.S. and other countries in the aftermath of World War II as a deterrent to potential aggression from what was then the Soviet Union.

The U.S. commitment has been called into question due to Trump’s sharp criticism of European allies and his eagerness to build ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has pushed other countries to contribute a greater share of their budgets to their own defense, rather than relying on the U.S.

Whitaker had been chief of staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions during Trump’s first term, and then was chosen to become acting attorney general when his boss was fired after recusing himself from the department’s investigation of Russian influence in the 2016 election.

Before that, Whitaker was a U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Iowa, serving for five years beginning in 2004. He has owned a day care center, a concrete supply business and a trailer manufacturer, records show. He led a taxpayer-subsidized effort to build affordable housing in Des Moines, but later walked away from the stalled project.

Whitaker also is a former Iowa football player. In 1990, he was a tight end on the Hawkeye team that went to the Rose Bowl. He earned an MBA and a law degree from the University of Iowa.

He had been considered for the top job in the Justice Department with the president’s return to the White House, but instead was tapped for the ambassadorship.

In nominating him, Trump said in a statement that Whitaker was “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended.”

Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst voted to confirm Whitaker. Both released statements calling him a “friend” and praising him for his service and dedication.

“He’s traveled around the world meeting with leaders on important issues, including dealing with the fentanyl crisis and talking with Chinese officials,” Grassley said in a statement. “... He’ll serve with the same passion and energy that he brings to his love of Iowa football, and I have no doubt that he will represent the United States on the world stage with the same level of commitment.”

Ernst, who defeated Whitaker for their party’s nomination in the 2014 U.S. Senate primary in Iowa, said the they developed mutual respect for each other.

“He understands the evolving threats our nation and our allies face — from terrorism to cyber warfare to transnational crime,” Ernst said on the Senate floor. “His experience navigating complex security challenges will make him an asset to NATO and a force for strengthening our alliances.”