Matthew Whitaker
Coverage of Matthew Whitaker in the Nexus archive.
- US Envoy Whitaker Says No Patriot Missile Production Deal Yet for Ukraine
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that no deal has been finalized for Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, though discussions with Ukrainian and European partners continue. The immediate focus remains accelerating air defense deliveries before winter.
- Zelensky Receives Washington’s NATO Envoy in Kyiv to Talk Air Defense, Drone Deal
Ukrainian President Zelensky met with US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker and Lt. Gen. Curtis Buzzard in Kyiv to discuss Patriot air defense system transfers, licensed production, and the Drone Deal. The parties signed an agreement to advance the Drone Deal, with reports indicating it could enable testing of Ukrainian drones in the US.
- Trump administration highlights NATO allies' progress in defense spending pledge
The Trump administration highlighted NATO allies' progress in meeting defense spending commitments following a summit in Ankara. Allies aim to strengthen Ukraine's defense while the US resumes attacks against Iran. Ambassador Matthew Whitaker emphasized transitioning NATO security responsibilities to Europe and discussed challenges in licensing Patriot missile production for Ukraine.
- Trump will use 'overwhelming force' against Iran, says US Ambassador to NATO
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that Trump will use 'overwhelming force' against Iran if they act belligerently. The U.S. and Iran exchanged missile and drone strikes over the weekend.
- US ambassador to NATO says Iran ‘controlled by a bunch of crazy people’
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that Iran is controlled by a bunch of crazy people following escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. He mentioned that President Trump aims to negotiate a deal with Iran to prevent them from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
- In Turkey for NATO summit, Trump doubles down on criticism of allies
President Donald Trump attended the NATO Leaders Summit in Turkey, praising host President Recep Erdogan while criticizing alliance members for insufficient defense spending and lack of support for U.S. operations. The summit focused on progress toward NATO's defense spending goals and burden-sharing, with allies highlighting increased procurement and commitments.
- Trump arrives at NATO summit as Iran rift looms above alliance talks
President Trump is attending the NATO summit in Turkey amid tensions with European allies over U.S. operations against Iran, particularly regarding military base access and political criticism. Trump has expressed disappointment in allies' lack of support and is expected to push for increased defense spending during the summit.
- Trump arrives at NATO summit as Iran rift looms above alliance talks
President Donald Trump arrives at the Turkey-held NATO summit with frustration toward European allies for their lack of support during U.S.-led operations against Iran. The summit will address defense spending and NATO strategy, but Trump's criticism of allies like Spain, which called the U.S. strikes 'illegal, absurd and cruel,' will overshadow discussions. Trump emphasizes his attendance due to his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
- NATO chief demands allies present credible plans to reach defense spending targets
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged members to submit credible defense spending plans at the Ankara summit, as the alliance pushes for 5% GDP investment in defense. The U.S. has pressured allies to increase spending, while Spain and others resist the target. Trump emphasized 'loyalty' from NATO allies and promoted a 'NATO 3.0' vision for European defense leadership.
- NATO chief demands allies present credible plans to reach defense spending targets
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged allies to submit credible defense spending plans ahead of a summit in Ankara, as the U.S. pressures members to meet a new 5% GDP target. Some countries, including Spain, question the feasibility of the goal, while the U.S. has hinted at unspecified consequences for non-compliance.
- NATO tensions are ‘growing pains,’ U.S. ambassador says as Trump presses allies
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker described NATO allies increasing defense spending under Trump's pressure as 'growing pains,' not a crisis. Trump is urging allies to boost defense expenditures.