The Liberty Score is a rating system assessing how closely an individual’s views align with core Libertarian principles. Scores are based on a 0-100 scale, with 100 representing a fully Libertarian position and 0 representing complete opposition to Libertarian values. The grading criteria include:
Each category will be scored, then averaged to form the individual’s overall Liberty Score, providing a clear snapshot of their alignment with Libertarian ideals. Grades are provided by AI
Liberty Score Assessment:
Personal Freedom (10/25): Matthew Whitaker’s tenure as acting Attorney General raised concerns about his views on civil liberties, particularly regarding surveillance and executive authority. His support for expansive executive powers may conflict with Libertarian principles that prioritize individual rights and personal freedom.
Economic Freedom (10/25): Whitaker’s background in legal and criminal justice does not provide significant insights into his stance on economic policies. Therefore, his alignment with Libertarian economic principles is unclear.
Limited Government (10/25): His support for strong executive authority suggests a preference for a more centralized government role, which contrasts with Libertarian ideals of limited government intervention.
Non-Intervention (10/25): Whitaker’s foreign policy views are largely unknown, making it difficult to assess his stance on military intervention and non-interventionist principles.
Bio: Matthew Whitaker, an attorney and former acting U.S. Attorney General, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to NATO. Born on October 29, 1969, in Des Moines, Iowa, Whitaker earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Iowa, where he also played as a tight end for the Hawkeyes football team. He served as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa from 2004 to 2009 and later as Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. In November 2018, Whitaker was appointed acting U.S. Attorney General, a position he held until February 2019. His nomination as Ambassador to NATO comes amid ongoing discussions about the alliance’s role and the U.S.’s commitment to collective defense.
Career Highlights:
About the U.S. Ambassador to NATO Role: The U.S. Ambassador to NATO represents the United States in the North Atlantic Council, the principal decision-making body of the alliance. The ambassador plays a crucial role in shaping NATO policies, coordinating defense strategies, and ensuring the alignment of alliance objectives with U.S. national security interests. Whitaker’s legal background and previous leadership roles within the Department of Justice provide him with experience in high-level decision-making and policy implementation. His appointment reflects the administration’s approach to engaging with international alliances and addressing global security challenges.