WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — On Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump revealed his decision to appoint Richard Grenell, a seasoned foreign policy adviser, as an envoy for special missions. Grenell’s primary role will be to assist the forthcoming administration in navigating some of the most significant foreign policy issues ahead.
Grenell has a noteworthy background, having served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany during Trump’s previous tenure, and as the special presidential envoy for the negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo. He also held the position of acting director of national intelligence. Although he was in the running for the role of secretary of state, Trump ultimately nominated Marco Rubio, a senator from Florida.
“Ric will be engaged in some of the world’s most challenging environments, such as Venezuela and North Korea,” Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, while confirming Grenell’s appointment.
During Trump’s first term in office, Grenell gained notoriety for his often confrontational diplomatic style, which sometimes created tension with allies and the foreign policy community in Washington. However, his approach resonated with the president-elect, who values straightforward communication. Even after leaving office in 2021, Grenell maintained a close relationship with Trump and has frequently been consulted on foreign policy matters.
Grenell was present during an important meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in September. Moreover, he has suggested a peace arrangement that would allow Ukraine to retain its territory, while also proposing “autonomous regions” that could remain under Russian control. He has expressed opposition to NATO’s expansion to include Ukraine, sharing Trump’s view that the alliance should not grow until existing members fulfill the agreed-upon defense spending commitments. Many NATO countries have pledged to allocate 2% of their GDP to defense but often do not meet this standard.
An early advocate for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, Grenell has hosted events highlighting issues of economics and national security pertinent to the Republican nominee. During his address at the Republican National Convention, he reiterated Trump’s call to prioritize American interests globally. He argued that Biden’s administration has portrayed weakness to rivals like China and Russia.
Concerns emerged during the 2024 campaign regarding Trump’s stance on NATO, particularly his comments suggesting he would refrain from defending member nations that don’t align with spending targets. He also implied he might “encourage” Russia in its actions against alliance nations he deemed “delinquent.” Grenell has downplayed these statements, arguing that media narratives about leaving NATO were exaggerated. He articulated this sentiment by saying, “What we’re saying is, don’t come to the wedding without a gift.”
Grenell also contributed to the Trump campaign’s efforts to engage Arabic-speaking voters in Michigan, where Trump made notable strides within traditionally Democratic demographics despite his controversial policies, which included a travel ban affecting several Muslim-majority nations. Grenell organized pro-Trump activities aimed at Arab American voters, including a notable gathering in Troy, Michigan, in May.
Previously, Grenell served as a U.S. spokesman at the United Nations during George W. Bush’s administration. Like many Republicans, he initially criticized Trump but later aligned with him. Once an adviser to more centrist GOP figures, such as 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Grenell openly supported gay marriage and is publicly gay himself. However, he erased past social media commentary that labeled Trump as “reckless” and “dangerous” after Trump secured the Republican nomination in 2016.
In conjunction with Grenell’s appointment, Trump announced Devin Nunes, who currently operates the president-elect’s Truth Social platform, as the head of a presidential advisory board focused on U.S. intelligence oversight. Nunes will continue in his role at Trump Media & Technology Group, where Trump remains the largest shareholder. The former California congressman led the House Intelligence Committee and was a staunch supporter of Trump during his previous term in office.
