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In a significant yet controversial move, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Matthew Whitaker, a staunch loyalist without prior diplomatic experience, to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to NATO. The announcement has elicited mixed reactions among current and former NATO officials. While some express relief that an appointment was made, concerns linger regarding Whitaker’s limited background in foreign policy.

Whitaker's selection, announced on Wednesday, places a figure with a direct connection to Trump in a key international position. Despite his lack of experience in diplomacy or national security, his prior role in the Trump Justice Department and his vocal criticism of the special counsel investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign have made him a notable figure within Trump’s circle. His brief tenure as acting attorney general further underscores his loyalty to the president-elect.

In Brussels, Whitaker remains relatively unknown. Reports from six current and former alliance defense officials reveal a cautious optimism. One European official, speaking anonymously, highlighted the pragmatic view, stating, “If we are forced to pick, we'll take the guy who doesn't know much about NATO but Trump will actually pick up the phone for.” This sentiment reflects a general preference for someone with direct access to Trump rather than a seasoned NATO expert who may lack influence within the administration.

Camille Grand, a former NATO senior official now with the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted that the swift appointment signals the post's priority for the incoming U.S. administration. However, NATO members remain wary, given Trump’s inconsistent stance on the alliance during his previous term and recent campaign. Trump’s past criticisms of inadequate defense spending among NATO allies and his threats to withdraw from the organization add to the uncertainty surrounding Whitaker’s appointment.

Some within NATO prefer a close Trump ally in Whitaker, given the alternative of more contentious figures like Tulsi Gabbard or Pete Hegseth for other key positions. Nonetheless, concerns about Trump’s posture towards NATO persist, especially considering his comments suggesting leniency towards Russia concerning NATO members that fail to meet defense spending thresholds.

If confirmed, Whitaker will lead the U.S. mission to NATO at a critical juncture, with the alliance confronting the implications of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump's assurances of brokering peace have yet to be substantiated, leaving European countries anxious about potential U.S. policy shifts. Whitaker's role will also involve addressing fears about Trump’s management of U.S.-Russia relations and the future of American aid to Ukraine.

Jim Townsend, a former senior Pentagon official, emphasized the risky nature of appointing a novice like Whitaker during such a pivotal period for NATO. "We have nothing from him on NATO, nothing on Europe, nothing on foreign policy," Townsend stated, underscoring the apprehension felt by many in the alliance.

For NATO members, clarity from the U.S. administration is paramount. According to Grand, they seek transparency more than reassurance from the incoming ambassador. The challenge lies in accurately conveying Trump’s policy intentions to maintain cohesive and adaptive transatlantic security strategies amid ongoing global tensions.