US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Richard Grenell, his former intelligence chief, will serve as presidential envoy for special missions. Grenell is expected to spearhead policies targeting US adversaries, including North Korea.
Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, stated, “Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea,” though he did not elaborate further on Grenell’s responsibilities, reported Reuters.
A source from Trump’s transition team told Reuters that Grenell’s role will also involve addressing tensions in the Balkans. Grenell previously held key positions under Trump, including US ambassador to Germany, special envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace talks, and acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021.
Having actively campaigned for Trump ahead of the November 5 election, Grenell was initially a leading candidate for secretary of state, a position ultimately given to US Senator Marco Rubio. He was also considered for the role of special envoy for the Ukraine conflict, which was assigned to retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg.
Presidential and special envoys are typically appointed to address critical international issues, crises, or specific diplomatic efforts. Grenell’s assignment comes amid ongoing challenges with North Korea and Venezuela, both of which are considered adversarial to the United States.
According to Reuters, Trump has contemplated direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, aiming to reduce tensions and avoid military conflict. However, the North Korean regime has ignored overtures made by the Biden administration for unconditional dialogue and has bolstered its missile arsenal while strengthening ties with Russia.
On Venezuela, Trump previously labelled President Nicolás Maduro a dictator during his campaign, although Maduro expressed optimism about Trump’s re-election, calling it “a new start” for bilateral relations. Trump’s first term saw the imposition of harsher sanctions on Venezuela, particularly targeting its vital oil sector, while Maduro severed diplomatic ties with Washington in 2019.
Grenell’s past dealings with Venezuela include a 2020 meeting with a Maduro representative to negotiate the leader’s peaceful exit following his widely contested 2018 re-election. However, no agreement was reached, Reuters reported.
Republican Senator Bill Hagerty voiced his support for Grenell’s new role, commenting on X , “He will do a great job dealing with some of the world’s toughest challenges” . Trump is set to assume office next month.
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