By Iclal Turan
WASHINGTON (AA) - The Senate confirmed former acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker as US ambassador to NATO on Tuesday.
Voting 52-45 in favor of his nomination, Whitaker, a newcomer to national security, assumes the role amid concerns among European countries about President Donald Trump’s commitment to the NATO alliance.
During his confirmation hearing last month, Whitaker emphasized that NATO member states need to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP. He argued that this was essential for the survival of the alliance, citing global threats including China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
His confirmation came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Brussels from April 2-4 to participate in the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Rubio's visit, the State Department announced Monday, will focus on rallying NATO allies to increase defense investment and reinforcing support for Ukraine.