“Matt is a strong warrior and loyal Patriot, who will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended,” Trump said in a statement. “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.”

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Whitaker will likely hold an enforcer role at NATO after Trump has called for members of the organization to increase their financial support. The president-elect also caused a stir when he claimed that Russia could “do whatever the hell they want” to member states that don’t meet their financial obligations.

Trump has also signaled that American support for Ukraine as it battles against Russia could wane in a second administration. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly stated he wanted the battle between the two nations to end, but exact details on what would satisfy both Russia and Ukraine are sparse.

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Should the U.S. significantly cut back aide for Ukraine, European NATO members would have to step in to fill the gap, which would likely be insufficient. President Joe Biden recently allowed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to fire long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) deep into Russia, in a move that could escalate the war.

Trump will likely expect Whitaker, a loyal ally, to pressure NATO members to help de-escalate the war and ease the financial burden America provides to the organization.

“I have full confidence in Matt’s ability to represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication,” Trump continued in his statement. “I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to promote PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Freedom, and Prosperity around the World.”

The 55-year-old Whitaker is the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, serving under President George W. Bush, and graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A., MBA, and J.D.

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He previously worked as acting attorney general between November 2018 to February 2019 during Trump’s first White House administration. Whitaker took over the role after former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was pushed out. He was in charge during Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of whether the Trump campaign worked with Russia during the 2016 election.

Despite fears he would intervene, Whitaker allowed the investigation to continue.