A Conversation with Ambassador Matthew Whitaker

Please join us for an in-person conversation with Ambassador Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO. Ambassador Whitaker is an American diplomat currently serving as the 26th United States Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Ambassador Whitaker will be joined on stage by Thomas Rose, United States Ambassador to Poland, Nicholas Merrick, United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic, and Joseph Popolo, United States Ambassador to Netherlands. 

During the discussion, the Ambassadors will address the United States new national security strategy, the importance of defense spending and a strong defense industrial base, and how investing in modern capabilities supports U.S. manufacturing and American jobs. Tickets to the event are $20 per person.  

Ambassador Whitaker assumed his role as the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO on April 3, 2025. Before this appointment, he built a distinguished career in private practice and public service, including as Acting Attorney General of the United States from 2018 to 2019, following his tenure as Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Earlier, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, serving from 2004 to 2009. 

Ambassador Thomas Rose was confirmed as United States Ambassador to Poland by the United States Senate on October 7, 2025. Previously, he served as Chief Strategist and Senior Advisor to Vice President Pence during President Trump's first term. Before joining the administration, he built a career in journalism and media leadership, owning or managing newspaper properties across four countries, including seven years as Publisher and CEO of The Jerusalem Post, and hosted "The Bauer and Rose Show" on Sirius XM for nine years. 

Ambassador Nicholas Merrick has been the United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic since October 20, 2025. Previously, he was the Founder and President of Mt. Vernon Investments, one of the earliest investors in Truth Social, working closely with the company through its public listing in 2024. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dallas Police & Fire Pension System and as a part-time high school teacher at Cistercian Preparatory School in Dallas, Texas.

Ambassador Joseph Popolo assumed his role as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands on October 29, 2025. Prior to this appointment, he founded and led Charles & Potomac Capital, LLC, a private investment firm overseeing more than 50 investments globally in technology, healthcare, media, energy, and real estate. Earlier, he spent over two decades transforming the Freeman Company into the world's leading live event brand experience company, serving as president for eight years and CEO for 11 years.