President-elect Donald Trump Announces Ric Grenell as Presidential Envoy for Special Missions

Ric Grenell served as the acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s first administration. He was also Trump’s ambassador to Germany and the presidential envoy for Kosovo-Serbia negotiations

Former President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that Ric Grenell will serve as the presidential envoy for special missions.

“I am pleased to announce Richard Allen Grenell as our Presidential Envoy for Special Missions. Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

During Trump’s first administration, Grenell served as the acting director of national intelligence. He was also Trump’s ambassador to Germany and the presidential envoy for Kosovo-Serbia negotiations, according to the announcement.

“Ric will continue to fight for Peace through Strength, and always put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump added in the post. “Congratulations Ric!”

Some background: While serving in Trump’s first administration, Grenell embarked upon an effort to declassify documents that were of interest to the then-president, who believed they could delegitimize the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Last year, Grenell testified before a grand jury investigating Trump’s handling of classified documents.

Grenell remained in Trump’s orbit after the former president left office and was floated for the role of CIA director in Trump’s second term, though the position ultimately went to John Ratcliffe.

This post has been updated with additional information.