President-elect Donald Trump described his former acting director of national intelligence, Richard “Rick” Grenell, as a “terrific man” and a “star” in response to news reports that he might serve as special envoy to Iran. ”.
Reuters reported that Trump was considering appointing Grenell to the post, citing “two people familiar with the transition plan.”
“He will definitely run,” a person familiar with the situation told the media on condition of anonymity. However, Grenell said the report was “fabricated.”
Trump shared the Reuters report on The Truth Society on Wednesday night. While he didn’t confirm or deny the information in the article, he wrote, “Richard Grenell is an amazing man and a star. He’ll be out there somewhere, high up!”
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President-elect Donald Trump said his former acting intelligence director Rick Grenell will serve in a “senior” role during his second term, after Reuters reported that Grenell was being considered as envoy to Iran. (Justin Merriman/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
On Wednesday night, Grenell shared a link to the Reuters article on his X account and denied the information provided.
“Wrong again,” he wrote. “I wish @Reuters had a real editor doing journalism. This is made up.”
Rick Grenell said a Reuters report that he was being considered as envoy to Iran was “made up” shortly after the exclusive report was published late Wednesday night. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Grenell was previously rumored to be a candidate for several positions during Trump’s second term, including as secretary of state before Senator Marco Rubio was appointed and as retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg’s appointment. Prior to his appointment, he served as special envoy to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Whoever is selected for the Iran post will be responsible for “developing, coordinating and implementing the State Department’s Iran policy,” according to the job description.
If the Senate approves his nomination, that person will report directly to Rubio.
Former Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell campaigned for Trump in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during the 2024 election cycle. (Sarah Rice/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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Grenell has been a loyal ally of Trump since his first term as president and has frequently appeared on the 2024 campaign trail to express support for the current president-elect.
Fox News Digital has contacted Reuters for comment.
