Matthew Whitaker: podcast appearances and interviews

Matthew Whitaker is an American lawyer, politician, and diplomat who has served as the United States ambassador to NATO since 2025. He was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate after a close vote. Whitaker previously served as the acting United States attorney general from November 2018 to February 2019, following the resignation of Jeff Sessions. He also held the position of Chief of Staff for Jeff Sessions from October 2017 to November 2018. Whitaker's career includes serving as the United States attorney for the Southern District of Iowa from 2004 to 2009, where he was recognized for his efforts in prosecuting drug traffickers. In 2002, he was the Republican nominee for Treasurer of Iowa but was defeated by the incumbent. He has run in Republican primaries for the United States Senate and has engaged in conservative advocacy through opinion pieces and media appearances. Whitaker has also been involved with the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, a conservative advocacy group, where he served as executive director. Following his departure from the Justice Department, he became a CNN contributor and was affiliated with legal and strategic firms. His educational background includes playing college football as a tight end for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, including in the 1991 Rose Bowl.