Trump names Richard Grenell as envoy for special missions

According to Trump, Grenell will focus on some of the world’s "hottest spots."

"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.

However, Trump did not provide further details about the decision or Grenell’s specific responsibilities.

Grenell has previously engaged with allies of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Media reports indicate that in 2020, he held a secret meeting with the Venezuelan leader to negotiate Maduro’s peaceful exit from power after his controversial 2018 re-election, which most Western countries deemed fraudulent. However, the talks ultimately failed to produce an agreement.

A source within Trump’s transition team told Reuters that Grenell will also focus on tensions in the Balkans.

Presidents traditionally appoint special envoys to address global challenges, crises, or specific diplomatic efforts.

What is known about Richard Grenell

Richard Grenell, a Republican Party member, previously served as Trump’s ambassador to Germany and as the special presidential envoy for Kosovo–Serbia peace negotiations. He also served as the Director of National Intelligence during Trump’s term in office from 2017 to 2021.

Grenell was the spokesperson for the US Department of State at the United Nations under President George W. Bush. After leaving government service, he founded Capitol Media Partners, a political consulting firm, and frequently appeared as a contributor on Fox News.

Richard Grenell (photo: odni.gov)

Notably, before the US presidential election on November 5, Grenell was considered a leading candidate for Secretary of State, a position ultimately awarded to Senator Marco Rubio.

Grenell was also speculated to be a contender for the special envoy position on the Russia-Ukraine war, which went to retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg.