Trump’s NATO envoy affirms US’s strong alliance commitment

WASHINGTON — The individual nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to NATO sought to reassure senators during his Tuesday confirmation hearing that the Trump administration remains deeply committed to the military alliance. This affirmation comes amid increased scrutiny following Trump’s harsh criticisms targeting European allies and his pursuit of closer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Matt Whitaker, who previously held the role of acting attorney general during Trump’s first tenure, emphasized to the Senate committee the importance of pressing NATO’s 32 member nations to comply with Trump’s insistence on amplifying their defense expenditures. This push follows unsettling remarks made by Trump during his campaign, wherein he implied that Russia could have free rein over NATO members failing to meet their military spending obligations. Moreover, Trump has often downplayed the threat posed by Russia and even suggested ceasing U.S. aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Moscow.

Following Trump’s rather tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week in Washington, European members of NATO have been reevaluating their defense commitments, though they maintain there’s no intention of operating independently from the U.S.

When pressed on details regarding Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, Whitaker sidestepped inquiries from Democratic senators but acknowledged Vice President JD Vance’s assertion that the conflict was indeed sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While emphasizing his support for NATO, Whitaker underlined the U.S. dedication to the alliance, especially Article 5, which ensures collective defense. “It will be ironclad,” he declared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Historically, U.S. administrations have criticized the reliance of European allies and Canada on American support. Trump has amplified these concerns, questioning the worth of U.S. involvement in NATO. However, NATO leaders argue that Trump’s criticisms, coupled with the ongoing Ukraine conflict, have motivated most member countries to reach the alliance’s benchmark of spending a minimum of 2% of their GDP on military enhancements.

Trump has recently escalated this expectation to 5% of GDP. During the hearing, Democratic legislators pointed out that the U.S. itself allocates approximately 3.4% of its GDP for military purposes. Russia’s neighboring NATO members, such as Poland, dedicate a significant portion of their GDP, with Poland spending 4% on defense.

Whitaker emphasized that achieving Trump’s 5% GDP goal for allied nations is a principal objective for him at NATO. “I have no concern that our European allies and Canada can do more and want to do more,” he noted. “I fully expect they will do what’s necessary to continue to make NATO the strongest alliance ever in the history of the planet.”