President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday the appointment of longtime foreign policy adviser Richard Grenell as an envoy for special missions, assigning him to address some of the incoming administration’s most pressing foreign policy challenges, according to international media reports.
Grenell, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany during Trump’s first term, also acted as the special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations and held the role of acting director of national intelligence. At one point, Grenell was considered for secretary of state, but Trump ultimately nominated Florida Senator Marco Rubio for the position.
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“Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the world, including Venezuela and North Korea,” Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social, while announcing the appointment.
Beyond his work on U.S. foreign policy, Grenell has also been vocal in supporting former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, particularly during times of political turmoil. His outspoken stance in favor of Khan has earned him recognition among Khan’s supporters, further highlighting Grenell’s role as an influential figure in international diplomacy.
I’ll say it again, @geonews_urdu:
Free Imran Khan. pic.twitter.com/z4Uxdejc2O
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) December 16, 2024
During Trump’s first term, Grenell earned a reputation for his often contentious diplomatic style, which at times irritated allies and the Washington foreign policy establishment. However, Trump has valued Grenell’s direct and blunt approach in dealing with international partners.
Following Trump’s departure from office in 2021, Grenell maintained a close advisory role on foreign policy matters. Notably, he was present during Trump’s September meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Grenell has advocated for a peace deal that protects Ukraine’s territorial integrity but allows for “autonomous regions” under Russian control.
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Additionally, Grenell has echoed Trump’s stance on NATO, advising against its expansion to include Ukraine and insisting that current alliance members meet their defense spending commitments. While NATO countries have pledged to allocate 2% of their GDP toward defense, several members still fall short of the target.
Grenell has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, hosting multiple events that highlighted economic and national security issues. Speaking at the Republican National Convention, he reiterated Trump’s “America First” agenda and argued that adversaries like China and Russia view President Joe Biden’s administration as weak.
Trump raised concerns among allies during the 2024 campaign when he warned that he would not defend NATO members failing to meet defense spending targets and suggested he might “encourage” Russia to take action against “delinquent” alliance countries. Grenell, however, has downplayed such remarks, stating that discussions about leaving NATO were exaggerated by the media. “What we’re saying is, don’t come to the wedding without a gift,” Grenell said.
Grenell also played a key role in the Trump campaign’s outreach to Arab American voters, particularly in Michigan, a traditionally Democratic stronghold. Despite Trump’s prior immigration bans targeting several Muslim-majority countries, Grenell organized pro-Trump events with Arab American communities, including a notable meeting in Troy, Michigan, in May.
Grenell’s political career includes serving as a U.S. spokesman at the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration. A former adviser to moderate Republicans, including 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, Grenell initially criticized Trump, referring to him as “reckless” and “dangerous” in social media posts. However, he deleted those posts and aligned himself with Trump after the former reality TV star secured the Republican nomination in 2016.
Trump also announced on Saturday that Devin Nunes, CEO of Truth Social—Trump’s social media platform—will head a presidential advisory board overseeing the U.S. intelligence community. Nunes, a former California congressman and chair of the House Intelligence Committee, was a staunch Trump ally during his first term. Nunes will continue leading Trump Media & Technology Group, where Trump remains the largest shareholder.