President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday the appointment of two loyal supporters to significant roles, naming Richard Grenell as presidential envoy for special missions and former congressman Devin Nunes to chair a critical intelligence advisory board.
In posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump outlined Grenell’s focus on U.S. adversaries, including Venezuela and North Korea, while announcing Nunes will chair the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board while continuing his role as CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group.
Newsweek contacted the Trump transition team for comment via email on Saturday.
The advisory panel provides independent assessments of intelligence agencies’ operations and effectiveness, a role that has historically influenced U.S. intelligence policy and strategic planning.
Trump cited Nunes’ experience as former House Intelligence Committee chairman, where he gained prominence challenging the FBI‘s investigation into Russian election interference.
As committee chairman during Trump’s first term, Nunes became one of Trump’s strongest defenders in Congress. A 2017 U.S. intelligence report had concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin directed a sophisticated influence campaign to support Trump in the 2016 election, claims that both Trump and the Kremlin denied.
“Devin will draw on his experience as former Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, and his key role in exposing the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, to provide me with independent assessments of the effectiveness and propriety of the U.S. Intelligence Community’s activities,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Grenell brings significant diplomatic experience from Trump’s first administration, having served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
Before securing this role, he was considered for Secretary of State, a position ultimately given to Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and for special envoy for the Ukraine war, which went to retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg.
Grenell’s history with Venezuela includes significant diplomatic efforts, including a 2020 secret meeting with a Maduro representative to negotiate the leader’s peaceful exit following his contested 2018 re-election.
During Trump’s first term, his administration implemented harsh sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry, leading Maduro to break off relations in 2019.
Grenell developed a reputation for a sometimes-contentious approach to diplomacy that often-frustrated traditional allies during his tenure as German ambassador. He recently participated in Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, advocating for a peace deal that would maintain Ukraine’s territory while allowing for autonomous regions under Russian control.
Grenell’s position on NATO mirrors Trump’s, arguing against alliance expansion until current members meet their defense spending commitments of 2 percent GDP.
During the 2024 campaign, Trump raised concerns among allies when he suggested he would not defend NATO members failing to meet defense spending targets.
Before joining Trump’s team, Grenell served as U.S. spokesman at the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration.
Reports have detailed his political evolution from Trump critic to supporter, noting that as an adviser to moderate Republicans, including 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, Grenell had initially posted critical comments about Trump that were later deleted.
Trump also announced several other appointments Saturday, including IBM executive and former Department of Homeland Security official Troy Edgar as the department’s deputy secretary, and businessmen Bill White and Edward Walsh as U.S. ambassadors to Belgium and Ireland, respectively.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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