DES MOINES, Iowa — President Trump’s newest ambassador to NATO is a Des Moines native, Matthew Whitaker. Whitaker has had an extensive legal and political career including acting attorney general in the first Trump administration.

Ambassador Whitaker joins us live today to update Iowans on what could be considered a significant milestone in the war between Ukraine and Russia.

He is now in the midst of what could be considered a significant milestone in the war between Ukraine and Russia. The U.S. is sending munitions to NATO, which will then ship them to support the defense of Ukraine. This will be paid for by European Allies. Amb. Whitaker has been the president’s point person for this. 

“Obviously, the United States of America makes the most sophisticated weapons and armaments on the planet. Ukraine and their armed forces like having those weapons, and it allows them to defend themselves from the Russian onslaught. And at the same time, I think President Trump has been pretty clear that this war in Ukraine is not going to be settled on the battlefield. Ultimately, it’s got to be negotiated and there needs to be peace,” Whitaker said. “So, I’m hoping that by the United States leaning in, selling our weapons, to our NATO allies, that that will lead the Russians back to the negotiating table and actually get to a cease fire here.”

Amb. Whitaker makes it clear this is a great financial opportunity for the U.S. and will benefit Americans. 

“Obviously, it’s going to be the value of the weapons that we’re selling to our NATO allies that are then being provided to Ukraine. It’s not really, I wouldn’t say it’s a windfall. I think what it is, is it just takes the burden off the backs of the American taxpayer who by some accounting, is in for hundreds of billions of dollars to support Ukraine in this war. And I think one of President Trump’s main themes is why we got 5% of GDP agreement to spend on defense from our NATO allies. It’s the equalizer. Europe are rich, powerful, strong countries and they need to start spending on their own defense and on the collective defense. And so I think this moment in time is a chance for Europe to really step up, to invest in the long term security of the European continent, where I am right now in Brussels, Belgium,” he said.”

Does Whitaker see himself making a return to Iowa anytime soon?

Whitaker ran for senator in Iowa in 2014, and now with Governor Reynolds not seeking re-election, could he start a new campaign? 

“Well, I mean, I’m still carry my Iowa driver’s license. I’m a proud Iowan and a proud Hawkeye. I’ve had a lot of chances in the past. I have a heart for public service. I’m enjoying this job here in Brussels as the U.S. Ambassador to NATO,” he said. “I have nothing to announce this morning on your show. And I don’t plan to have anything to announce any time soon. But I really love my home state. I’m looking forward to getting back this fall for some football games. I’m going to see the Iowa State Cyclones in Dublin at the end of August. And so, I’m excited about going to that game as well. But right now I don’t have any immediate plans or announcements to make this morning.”