Whitaker, confirmed late Tuesday by the Senate in a 52-45 vote, has an extensive law enforcement background but light foreign policy experience.
During his confirmation hearing last month, he told senators that if he is confirmed for the post, he would urge the alliance’s members to bolster their defense spending, and he showed commitment to the transnational military organization founded in 1949.
"President Trump has been clear: The United States remains committed to NATO and to the principle of peace through strength,” Whitaker said at the time.
Trump has criticized European allies for years for not contributing more to the military alliance to contain the Soviet Union. During his first term, Trump floated the idea of the United States withdrawing from NATO.
More recently, reports have emerged that the Pentagon is considering an overhaul of the U.S. military’s combatant commands, including one scenario that would have the United States give up its role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
Withdrawing from the SACEUR command structure would signal diminished U.S. involvement in NATO and could eventually spell the end of the alliance as it has been known for 75 years.
Whitaker reiterated to senators last month that the U.S.’s commitment to NATO is “ironclad,” referencing Article 5 of the treaty. He vowed to press NATO member countries to commit to spending at least 5 percent of their gross domestic product on defense.
Still, his confirmation comes after some Republicans have raised concerns over whether Trump could give up the U.S.’s leadership role within the alliance.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
