The United States Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, has strongly rejected claims that Washington is attempting to weaken NATO or disrupt the international liberal order, responding to concerns raised in a report from the Munich Security Conference, according to The Guardian.
Whitaker dismissed suggestions that recent shifts in U.S. policy toward alliances represent internal threats to global stability. He emphasized that the United States aims to strengthen NATO, not undermine it, by encouraging a more balanced distribution of defense responsibilities among member states.
Call for Greater European Defense Contributions
According to Whitaker, Washington wants European allies to increase their defense spending and improve their military capabilities, arguing that stronger allies help preserve peace.
“We are trying to make NATO stronger, not withdraw from it or reject it, but ensure it functions as originally intended – as an alliance of 32 capable and strong members,” Whitaker stated.
He also expressed frustration over what he described as excessive discussions within Europe without sufficient concrete action, urging allies to fulfill NATO spending targets and demonstrate stronger commitment to security obligations.
Trade Disputes With Europe
Whitaker further addressed economic tensions, claiming that the United States seeks to challenge what it views as unfair trade arrangements with Europe, which he said have resulted in a significant trade surplus in Europe’s favor.
Security Concerns Regarding Greenland
Addressing questions about Greenland, Whitaker said the U.S. interest in the territory is strictly linked to security considerations, particularly regarding the potential influence of Russia and China. He alleged that China has made attempts to invest in Greenland’s ports and airport infrastructure, though Danish officials have repeatedly questioned such claims.
Whitaker also sought to distance himself from former President Donald Trump’s more aggressive rhetoric on Greenland, while maintaining that the underlying security concerns remain valid.
The ambassador reiterated that the United States continues to view NATO as a cornerstone of transatlantic security and global stability.
