President Trump revealed on Monday that he is considering Ric Grenell for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, alongside other potential candidates such as former Israeli Ambassador David Friedman and several other prominent figures. Trump made the announcement while also confirming his plans for a major foreign trip during his second term, which will include visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The announcement follows the withdrawal of Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination for the UN ambassador position. Trump cited concerns that her potential confirmation could jeopardize her seat in New York’s upstate region, which might swing to the Democrats in a special election.
“We have a lot of people interested in the position, and it’s a star-making role. We have some great names in mind, including David Friedman, Ric Grenell, and around 30 other qualified candidates,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
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Grenell, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany during Trump’s first term, had previously stated he wasn’t interested in the job. In an interview with Newsmax last week, Grenell dismissed the idea, stating, “This is not something I want to pursue. I have plenty of other things on my plate.”
During his tenure in Germany, Grenell made headlines by playing a key role in halting the construction of Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was a significant move in the U.S.’s strategy against Russia. He later became known for his unapologetic support of Trump, his vocal criticism of political opponents, and his role in securing the first diplomatic agreement between Serbia and Kosovo. Grenell also made history as the first openly gay cabinet-level official when he briefly served as acting director of national intelligence.
Currently, Grenell holds a special role as Trump’s envoy for missions abroad, while also leading efforts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and working on recovery efforts in Los Angeles after devastating wildfires. He was also involved in efforts to secure the release of a prisoner from Venezuela.
As for Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip, he confirmed that it may take place as early as May, with a focus on celebrating nearly $1 trillion in investments from Saudi Arabia in the U.S. Other countries on the itinerary include Qatar and the UAE, with the possibility of adding additional stops. Trump’s visit will aim to strengthen ties with the region, particularly with key Gulf nations, as part of his ongoing foreign policy strategy.
