President-elect , Donald Trump , has picked Republican lawyer , Matthew Whitaker , to become the , U. S.  , Ambassador to , NATO, selecting a previous dedicated secretary from his first leadership as his minister to an international ally he often criticizes.
” I have complete confidence in Matt’s capacity to represent , the United States , with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication”, Trump said in a speech on Wednesday. As we continue to promote peace around the world through STRENGTH, liberty, and happiness, I look forward to working with him.
Trump has assailed , NATO , friends over their defence spending. On the battle route he has threatened that the , U. S.  , will never come to the aid of friends who do not spend much for their own forces. The , NATO , article requires , Senate , assurance.
In Whitaker, 55, Trump has enlisted a trusted ally who was a centre of discussion as the world’s leading law enforcement official. He served as acting attorney general from , November 2018 , to , February 2019 , after Trump forced out his first solicitor standard,  , Jeff Sessions.
Whitaker has accused Special Counsel , Jack Smith , of using “novel legitimate ideas” to command Trump with acts in order to interfere with the 2024 election. After he left office, Smith brought two lawsuits against Trump, one for supposedly trying to overturn the 2020 election and the other for reportedly bringing accusations of mishandling and obstructing justice.
As acting attorney general, Whitaker oversaw Special Counsel , Robert Mueller ‘s , research into whether Trump conspired with , Russia , to interfere in the 2016 election. Criticism persisted at the time that Whitaker might interfere with or halt Mueller’s research. Nevertheless, he allowed Mueller to remain unhindered.
How’s the latest on Trump’s move:
Gaetz meets Graham
Senator , Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the , Senate Judiciary Committee, said he was committed to handling the election of Trump’s option for attorney general,  , Matt Gaetz, with “fairness” and urged politicians not to rush to judgment after a meeting with the questionable get on Wednesday.
Graham in a speech urged fellow , Republicans , to let the verification process to sing out and let Gaetz, who is facing severe scrutiny over a House sexual misconduct spacecraft, to make his case for being the world’s leading law enforcement official.
” My history is obvious. I tend to submit to national government decisions unless the information suggests disqualification”, Graham said. ” I fear that the Gaetz nomination’s process is turning into a furious rabble, where unsubstantiated claims are being treated as though they are true,” he said.
” After decades of being investigated by the , Department of Justice, no charges were brought against , Matt Gaetz. This is something we may all remember”, the , South Carolina , Republican added. ” I do also need my acquaintances to go back to a time-tested process, collect important information, and supply the candidate a chance to make their case as to why they should be confirmed”.
Republicans , will be in command of the , Senate , in January, but Gaetz’s assurance is never assured.
Gaetz and Graham were joined in the conference by Vice President-elect JD Vance, an , Ohio , legislator. Vance is arranging sitdowns between important  , Republicans , and two of Trump’s most questionable choice for his government, Gaetz and , Pete Hegseth, a , Fox News Channel , number and , Army National Guard , participant, who has been tapped for Defense secretary.
Gaetz has been the subject of a sexual misconduct investigation while Hegseth has been charged with sexual assault. Both have denied any wrongdoing.
Prior to the confirmation hearing, Gaetz’s investigation is being pressured to release its findings. The panel plans to meet Wednesday.
Senators in both parties have requested more information from the Ethics committee on Gaetz but , Republican House , Speaker , Mike Johnson , has urged the panel to keep its findings confidential.
The , Justice Department , investigated allegations that Gaetz had sex with a minor in exchange for money but decided in , February 2023 , not to file any charges against him. Gaetz has denied the allegations.
Gaetz resigned from , Congress , days before the Ethics committee was scheduled to deliberate on how to handle results from its investigation.
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