Abbott Meets With US Ambassador Delegation
January 14, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott met Tuesday at the Governor’s Mansion with several U.S. ambassadors to discuss transatlantic security cooperation, Texas’ growing defense and manufacturing sectors, and opportunities to promote American industry abroad.
The meeting included U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Joseph Popolo, U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose, and U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Nicholas Merrick. The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships between Texas, the United States, and key European allies amid evolving global security challenges.
Abbott highlighted Texas’ major investments in advanced manufacturing and innovation, pointing to the state’s leadership in artificial intelligence, defense technology, semiconductor production, and the aerospace and aviation industries. State officials say those investments have positioned Texas as a critical contributor to national defense readiness and global supply chains.
The ambassadors emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to counter hostile actors and reinforce collective security. Whitaker thanked Abbott for Texas’ role in supporting U.S. allies and ensuring the nation remains prepared to meet emerging threats.
Energy security was also a central topic of the meeting. Abbott outlined Texas’ all-of-the-above energy strategy, noting that the state’s diverse energy portfolio supports manufacturing and innovation in defense, cybersecurity, and technology sectors. He also discussed Texas’ push to lead a nuclear energy resurgence through the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, which aim to attract investment and accelerate development of next-generation nuclear power.
The ambassadors echoed the importance of reliable energy generation to sustain critical industries. The meeting took place during a two-day tour of Texas, during which the ambassadors visited major manufacturing facilities across multiple cities.
