NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker faced intense mockery after he cited the ability to eat fast food in one's car while on a phone call as a key example of American greatness during a Thursday interview on "Fox & Friends." The segment was intended to celebrate the United States' upcoming 250th birthday.
Whitaker's Remark on American Greatness
Host Brian Kilmeade asked Whitaker for his take on viral reactions from World Cup tourists visiting the U.S. for the first time. Instead of highlighting the Constitution, arts, culture, innovation, or openness to immigrants, Whitaker focused on convenience dining. "Yeah, people are enjoying the United States of America because it’s an awesome place and we have extraordinary things like Buc-ee’s, like Chick-fil-A," Whitaker said. "You know, just some, very convenient to eat in your car as you’re having a phone call." He added: "It’s an amazing country, and I’m glad people are finally kind of discovering what real America is."
Social Media Backlash
Whitaker's comments were widely criticized on social media. Users pointed out the bleakness of framing car-dependent fast food as a national triumph. One user wrote, "I know we live in a heavily car-dependent country, but framing the ability to eat rest-stop food in your car as a defining national triumph is incredibly bleak." Another commented, "The best thing about America is how easy it is to eat in your car while you're on the phone. I can't tell if I am being ironic." Some mocked the choice of examples, with one asking, "Why didn't the ambassador use this opportunity to highlight America's healthcare system, the cost of living, the generous paid time off/family leave policy or the safety of our public schools?"
Whitaker's Background
Whitaker previously served as acting U.S. attorney general during the first Trump administration before being appointed NATO ambassador last year. His remarks drew comparisons to the "Make America Great Again" crowd's difficulty in identifying what truly makes America great, as noted by one commentator. Another user called him the "U.S. Embarrass-ador."
