Trump picks longtime foreign policy adviser Richard Grenell as envoy for special missions
WASHINGTON – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has picked Richard Grenell, his former intelligence chief, to serve as an envoy for special missions, assigning him to tackle some of the most challenging foreign policy issues.
“Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the world, including Venezuela and North Korea,” Trump said on his Truth Social media platform without further describing the duties.
Grenell served as Trump’s ambassador to Germany, a special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and as acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s 2017-2021 term.
During Trump’s first term, Grenell developed a reputation for espousing a contentious approach to diplomacy, which often strained relations with allies and the foreign policy establishment in Washington. However, his direct style resonated with the president-elect, who values blunt conversations with allies.
Grenell remained close to Trump after he left office in 2021, serving at times as a key adviser on foreign policy.
Back in September, he was present during Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and has advocated for a peace deal that would preserve Ukraine’s territory while allowing for “autonomous regions” where Russia could retain control.
Additionally, Grenell has opposed expanding NATO to include Ukraine, echoing Trump’s view that the alliance should not grow until current members meet the defence spending targets, which several NATO countries still fall short of the agreed-upon 2% of GDP for the defence sector.
Throughout Trump’s 2024 campaign, he demonstrated strong support for the Republican nominee and held several events focused on economics and national security.
Grenell was also involved in the Trump campaign’s outreach to Arab American voters in Michigan, where the president-elect made gains with a traditionally Democratic constituency despite his history of banning immigration from several majority-Muslim countries. Grenell organised pro-Trump events for Arab American voters, including a May meeting in Troy, Michigan.
The position of presidential and special envoy focuses on global issues, crises, or specific diplomatic efforts. Accordingly, Richard Grenell is expected to drive policies on contentious issues, including the U.S. relations with North Korea.
According to Reuters, Trump has considered pursuing direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, hoping to reduce risks of armed conflict.
