Trump appoints longtime foreign policy adviser Richard Grenell to serve as special missions envoy
The Hindu
President-elect Trump appoints Richard Grenell as envoy for special missions, known for blunt diplomacy and close ties to Trump.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday (December 14, 2024) that he's picked longtime foreign policy adviser Richard Grenell to serve as an envoy for special missions, tasking him with helping the incoming administration deal with some of the toughest foreign policy challenges.
Mr. Grenell served as ambassador to Germany during Mr. Trump’s first administration, special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and did a stint as acting director of national intelligence.
He was also a contender to serve as secretary of state, but Mr. Trump opted to nominate Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
“Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea,” Mr. Trump said in a posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, announcing the appointment.
Mr. Grenell during Mr. Trump's first term developed a reputation for employing a sometimes contentious approach to diplomacy that rankled allies and the foreign policy establishment in Washington. But his style was appreciated by the president-elect who sees value in blunt talk with allies.
Mr. Grenell remained close to Mr. Trump after he left office in 2021, serving at times as a key adviser on foreign policy.
He was in the room when Mr. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in September. Mr. Grenell has advocated for a peace deal that would preserve Ukraine’s territory while still allowing for “autonomous regions” where Russia could remain in control.
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