Trump appoints US envoys to Canada and NATO, adding loyalists lacking subject expertise | READ

Whitaker, who served as acting attorney general for three months during Trump's 2017-2021 term, has been actively involved with the America First Policy Institute, a right-leaning think tank that has been working to shape policy for Trump's second term.

Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump has announced his envoys for NATO and Canada, following his nominations for ambassador to Israel and Special Envoy to the Middle East. Trump said on Wednesday that Acting Attorney General Matthew G Whitaker will be the US Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), while former Congressman Pete Hoekstra has been nominated as Ambassador to Canada.

Who is Pete Hoekstra?

Hoekstra represented Michigan’s 2nd District in Congress for nearly 20 years, during which he was also Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. "I overhauled the disastrous NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), the worst Trade Deal in the History of the United States, which was switched to the USMCA (Mexico/Canada), which no one thought could be done. We brought Trade with Mexico and Canada to a level playing field for our wonderful farmers and working families," Trump said.

“In my second term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST. He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role,” the president-elect added.

Who is Whitaker- a Trump critic or a loyalist?

Trump said Whitaker would ensure the US 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,” he said. “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,” he added.

Whitaker was known as one of the most outspoken critics of a special counsel investigation into contacts between Trump's successful 2016 presidential campaign and Russian officials. Trump has offered few foreign policy specifics, but supporters say the force of his personality and his "peace through strength" approach will help bend foreign leaders to 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 rather than people with proven subject-matter expertise. Nearly a week ago, Trump picked former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as his ambassador to Israel. For the position of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Trump picked successful real estate investor and philanthropist Steven C Witkoff, giving him the mandate to restore peace in the region.

(With inputs from agency)

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