Matthew Whitaker - Trump’s Pick for U.S. ambassador to NATO, supported Veseli in Kosovo five years ago

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Attorney General Matthew Whitaker as the U.S. Ambassador to NATO. Whitaker visited Kosovo in 2019, where he supported former Democratic Party of Kosovo leader and Hague indictee Kadri Veseli during election rallies, Reporteri recalls.

Five years ago, at a rally in Gnjilane, Whitaker praised Veseli, stating that he was "the right person for Kosovo" and had the strength to fight corruption.

"I came to discuss the importance of the relationship between Kosovo and the U.S. These elections in Kosovo are about fighting corruption, and Kadri Veseli is the right choice for that fight. He is the strongest anti-corruption candidate. He has already taken action by cleaning up his own backyard. It seems to me that the solution for the people of Kosovo is quite clear, and you have a very important decision ahead of you," Whitaker said at the time.

He also stated that the alternative in those elections was "the risk of a government led by people who could isolate Kosovo," calling Veseli "a friend of the U.S., Iowa, and my friend."

"For American businesses and investors to come here, they need to be able to trust the leaders and governments of foreign nations. Fighting corruption is a prerequisite and a necessary criterion. Americans are currently reluctant to invest in Kosovo due to fears of corruption. Kadri Veseli does not pose a risk in this regard. He is a reformer," Whitaker said at the time.

He even compared Veseli to Donald Trump.

"People around the world are tired of politicians who say one thing and do another. This is what made Donald Trump unique, and in his own way, Kadri Veseli as well," he said five years ago in an interview for Klan Kosova.

According to Reuters, Trump’s selection of Whitaker reflects his preference for a loyalist with little foreign policy experience for what could be one of the most prominent ambassadorial posts during his second administration.

U.S. relations with NATO were strained during Trump’s first term, as the Republican president criticized NATO and accused European members of spending too little on defense, Reuters recalls.

During this year’s campaign, Trump showed little sign of softening his stance, stating at a February event that he would encourage Russia to invade NATO countries that had not spent enough on defense.

“Matt is a strong warrior and loyal patriot who will ensure that the interests of the United States are advanced and defended. Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO allies and firmly oppose threats to peace and stability—putting America first,” Trump said in a statement.

Whitaker, who served as acting Attorney General for three months during Trump’s term from 2017 to 2021, was actively involved in a right-wing think tank shaping policies for Trump’s second term. He was also known as one of the most outspoken critics of the special counsel’s investigation into contacts between Trump’s successful 2016 presidential campaign and Russian officials.

Trump has offered few specifics on foreign policy, but his supporters claim that his strong personality and “peace through strength” approach will help foreign leaders align with his will and calm what Republicans describe as a “world on fire” amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Whitaker’s appointment is the latest example of Trump choosing loyalists over individuals with proven expertise.

"I have full confidence in Matthew’s ability to represent the United States with strength, integrity, and unwavering commitment," Trump said in a statement.