Whitaker, who has a background in law enforcement, has not been outspoken about his positions on foreign policy.

Whitaker has little to no experience in security or foreign policy, both of which are central to the NATO role.

After a brief stint in Trump's first administration, the president-elect wants the conservative firebrand to become the next U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has quietly expressed openness to discussing a Ukraine ceasefire deal with US President-elect Donald Trump. Putin’s purported position was divulged to Reuters by five Kremlin insiders and added ammunition to Trump’s plans to freeze the Ukraine War at the start of his presidency.