WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday that he has selected his former intelligence chief, Richard Grenell, to be a presidential envoy for special assignments, a position in which he will likely lead policies toward some of the United States' adversaries, including North Korea.
“Rick will be working in some of the hottest areas around the world, including Venezuela and North Korea,” Trump said on his social media platform, “Truth,” without elaborating.
Grenell served as Trump's ambassador to Germany, special presidential envoy for peace negotiations in Serbia and Kosovo, and acting director of national intelligence during Trump's term from 2017-2021.
After campaigning for Trump before the November 5 elections, he was one of the most prominent contenders for the position of Secretary of State, a position that went to US Senator Marco Rubio. He was also nominated to be a special envoy for the Ukraine war, which went to retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg (NYSE:).
Trump takes office next month.
Presidents appoint special envoys to focus on global issues or crises that often override the ambassador's focus on bilateral relations with another country.
North Korea and Venezuela are adversaries of the United States, although Reuters reported that Trump is considering continuing direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in the hope of reducing the risks of armed conflict.
It is unclear what reciprocity Kim might offer Trump. The North Koreans have ignored four years of efforts by US President Joe Biden to start talks without preconditions, and Kim has grown more emboldened thanks to an expanded missile arsenal and a closer relationship with Russia.
During his presidential campaign, Trump described Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a dictator. Maduro said Trump's re-election is a “new beginning” for bilateral relations.
During his first term, Trump imposed tougher sanctions on the South American country, especially on its key oil industry. Maduro severed ties in 2019.
