Grenell, Nunes Among Weekend Appointments for Trump’s Second Term
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Trump introduced a collection of appointments of former Trump administration officers on Saturday evening.
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed trusted former Trump administration official Richard Grenell to be Presidential Envoy for Particular Missions for his incoming administration.
The particular missions place is often reserved by presidents to nominate trusted people who they know align with their agenda to motion narrowly centered insurance policies.
“I’m happy to announce Richard Allen Grenell as our Presidential Envoy for Particular Missions,” Trump mentioned on his Fact Social social media platform on Dec. 14. “Ric will work in a number of the hottest spots across the World, together with Venezuela and North Korea,” the incoming president mentioned of his plans for Grenell.
Within the first Trump administration, Grenell served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany the place he was instrumental in securing German dedication for elevated protection and NATO spending and revisiting insurance policies for power safety within the area amid Germany’s reliance on Russian power.
He was then tapped by Trump to function appearing Director of Nationwide Intelligence (DNI), turning into the primary overtly homosexual particular person to carry a Cupboard-level place in U.S. historical past, which Grenell mentioned he didn’t need to be the main target of his appointment.
“I’ve made it clear that I’m not asking for particular remedy or particular rights—simply equal entry and consideration. It is very important me that I not be outlined by my sexual orientation—I need to be outlined by my expertise and abilities,” he mentioned on the time.
Grenell describes himself on X with the next introduction: “I’m stronger after most cancers. My canine runs my life. Imperfect follower of Christ.”
He moved on from the function overseeing U.S. spy businesses after DNI John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) was confirmed by the Senate on Might 26, 2020.
Grenell then served as Presidential Envoy for the Kosovo–Serbia peace negotiations, the place he efficiently facilitated financial normalization agreements between the 2 nations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Trump touted the Harvard Grasp of Public Administration’s expertise throughout the Bush administration on the U.N. Safety Council the place he labored on points like North Korea.
“Ric will proceed to struggle for Peace by Power, and at all times put America First,” Trump mentioned.
Grenell thanked Trump for the appointment on X, saying, “Engaged on behalf of the American folks for [President Trump] is an honor of a lifetime. President Trump is an issue solver who retains Individuals protected and affluent. We have now a lot to do. Let’s get to work.”
President of Log Cabin Republicans, the biggest GOP group devoted to representing LGBT conservatives and allies, Charles Moran mentioned of Grenell’s appointment, “There isn’t any higher particular person than my pal [Richard Grenell] to function [President Trump’s] Particular Envoy. Being the point-person for the most important challenges that face America overseas is a monumental job, and Ric will be capable of straight convey President Trump’s voice into probably the most harmful locations the place our management is most desperately wanted. So grateful for this crucial appointment of an exceptional man.”
“We’re thrilled for the information that our pal, steadfast supporter, and Trump Unity Co-Chair [Bill White] has been appointed by [President Trump] to function the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium.”
Trump mentioned he tapped White for the place because the businessman, philanthropist, writer, and advocate has “labored tirelessly to help Nice American Patriots who’ve given all the things for our Nation by elevating over $1.5 Billion {Dollars} for our fallen heroes, catastrophically wounded, and severely burned Service Members,” alongside his contributions to the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy.
The place requires Senate affirmation.
Nunes to Kind Advisory Board of Non-public Sector Leaders
Rating Member of the Home Intelligence Committee Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) on his household’s farm in San Joaquin Valley, Calif., on Sept. 2, 2020. Brendon Fallon/The Epoch Occasions
Trump additionally introduced in his collection of appointment posts on Saturday evening that he’s appointing former chairman of the Home Intelligence Committee and Fact Social CEO Devin Nunes as chairman of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, which is able to embody leaders from the personal sector.
“Devin will draw on his expertise as former Chairman of the Home Intelligence Committee, and his key function in exposing the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, to supply me with unbiased assessments of the effectiveness and propriety of the U.S. Intelligence Neighborhood’s actions,” Trump mentioned. “Congratulations Devin!”
Earlier than his 2017 inauguration, Trump tried to kind the same advisory group consisting of distinguished enterprise leaders to supply him with nonpartisan, business-centric views to assist form U.S. financial coverage. Elon Musk joined the group, dubbed the Strategic and Coverage Discussion board, however resigned on June 1, 2017, when Trump introduced he was withdrawing america from the Paris Local weather Settlement. Jeff Bezos and Jamie Dimon have been additionally on the board.
The group dissolved in August 2017 following a wave of resignations after the Charlottesville rally and false reviews that Trump was allegedly calling neo-Nazi’s “fantastic folks.”
Trump additionally named Troy Edgar as deputy secretary of Homeland Safety and Edward Sharp Walsh, P.E., as U.S. Ambassador to Eire—each positions that may require Senate affirmation.
Trump mentioned that IBM govt Edgar throughout the first Trump administration was instrumental in making certain there was funding for border wall building and backed crucial immigration coverage in his function as chief monetary officer and affiliate deputy beneath secretary of administration for Homeland Safety.
The president-elect touted Walsh, president of the development and actual property agency the Walsh Firm, as an ideal native philanthropist who’s nicely geared up to symbolize america in Eire.
