U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Matthew Whitaker as the new U.S. Ambassador to NATO, effective when he takes office in January 2025. While Whitaker may not be widely known in Kosovo, he has significant ties to the country, notably through his support for Kadri Veseli, the former head of the Kosovo Assembly and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK).
In 2019, during Kosovo’s national elections, Whitaker, who was close to Trump at the time, visited Kosovo and publicly supported Veseli in campaign rallies and interviews. He praised Veseli as the right leader for Kosovo, particularly for his commitment to fighting corruption.
In a rally in Gjilan, Whitaker declared, “I’ve come to speak about the importance of the relationship between Kosovo and the United States. These elections in Kosovo are about the fight against corruption, and Kadri Veseli is the right person to lead that fight. He is the strongest candidate against corruption because he has proven his commitment. He has already started by cleaning his own backyard.”
Whitaker emphasized the importance of Kosovo’s relationship with the U.S., stating, “The choice is clear. You can choose a government that will strengthen cooperation with the U.S. to fight corruption and grow your economy, or face a government led by those who might isolate Kosovo.”
He further explained that the alternative posed a risk, as it could lead to a government that would weaken Kosovo’s relationship with the U.S. and hinder economic development.
“Kosovo needs a leader who can build trust and attract American businesses and investors,” Whitaker said. He underscored that fighting corruption was essential to creating a business-friendly environment. “Americans have hesitated to invest in Kosovo due to concerns over corruption, but Kadri Veseli does not pose that risk. He is a reformer and a true friend of the United States.”
Whitaker also compared Veseli to Trump, highlighting their shared approach to tackling corruption and implementing reforms. “People around the world are tired of politicians who say one thing and do another. That’s what makes Donald Trump unique, and in his own way, Kadri Veseli shares that quality,” he said in an interview on Klan Kosova.
This appointment by Trump reflects a broader strategic move to strengthen U.S. ties with NATO and continue fostering relationships with key leaders in Kosovo. The recognition of Veseli by Whitaker adds a layer of political nuance as the U.S. looks to maintain stability in the Balkans and address the ongoing challenges in the region.
