U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker told Newsmax's "National Report" that tough questions about world affairs left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer scrambling for coherent answers at the high-profile Munich Security Conference.
Appearing on the Newsmax morning program Tuesday, Whitaker said the responses revealed what he described as a lack of foreign policy understanding from two Democrats frequently mentioned as potential 2028 presidential contenders.
"Not only was Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez there, but also Gov. Whitmer was the third panelist," Whitaker said.
According to Whitaker, the moment came several questions into the discussion when the topic turned to China and Taiwan.
"They ... turned to me once or twice, wanting me to answer first so that I guess [I] could help them with their homework," he said.
Whitaker said he declined to answer first and that the Democrats' responses brought what he described as confusion to the issues being discussed.
"Ultimately, when I wasn't willing to do that, they gave some sort of interesting, to say the least, non-answers," he said, arguing both women struggled to clearly articulate a path forward.
At a forum like Munich, Whitaker said, such hesitation is glaring.
"The Munich Security Conference is the Super Bowl of foreign policy when it comes to these issues," he said, noting that challenges such as an "ascendant China," the war in Ukraine, and unrest in the Middle East are always front and center.
He said the Taiwan question posed to Ocasio-Cortez is fundamental for anyone seeking the Oval Office.
"If you're expecting to run for president, you should have a pretty good answer on that," Whitaker told Newsmax.
When asked what the correct answer would have been, Whitaker laid out what he described as a straightforward doctrine of deterrence and strength.
"First of all, you need a strong Taiwan, one that can defend itself," he said.
Beyond that, he said the United States should "lean into our alliances ... whether that's with Japan or the Philippines or South Korea," ensuring partners are "equally strong" in countering Beijing's ambitions.
Whitaker also explained why he refused to provide political cover for his fellow panelists.
"I was trying to be a gentleman," he said, adding that he would not tell Whitmer "the position of the Trump administration" only to have it go unchallenged or be used as a political foil.
What struck him most, he added, was that "these two folks ... weren't able to articulate, really, a vision for foreign policy," despite speculation about their national ambitions.
Whitaker also addressed the United States' position on European NATO nations shouldering more of the responsibility for their own defense.
"What I'm telling them is there's no exoneration," he said. "Ultimately, we need you to be stronger. We need your economies to work."
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Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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