Nikki Haley is out at the UN at the conclusion of the year – and Richard Grenell is on the gossip machine’s short-list as to who her replacement could be for UN Ambassador.
Leading the calls for Grenell to replace Haley includes Andrew Surabian – a veteran of the Trump campaign and advisor to Steve Bannon:
.@RichardGrenell is undoubtedly the best choice to replace Nikki Haley as Ambassador to the United Nations.
He's got the right experience, is loyal to @POTUS & there's no one who would be a stronger advocate for American interests at the UN than Ric.https://t.co/RHx7Rx8Z59
— Andrew Surabian (@Surabees) October 9, 2018
So who is Richard Grenell? Does he have what it takes to fill Haley’s shoes at the UN? If you were as obsessed with the 3am Fox News talkshow “Red Eye” as I was on my teenage years, you’d have known him previously as a political commentator, and former national security spokesman for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. Here’s what else you need to know about him:
He’s Already an Ambassador to Germany: Grenell was sworn in as the United States Ambassador to Germany on April 26th, 2018, making him the highest-ranking openly gay official to ever serve in a Republican administration. Grenell was also under consideration for posts as Ambassador to NATO, and Ambassador to the UN (how fitting).
Democrats Tried to Obstruct His Confirmation Process: Democrats deliberately delayed the process of confirming Grenell as Ambassador to Germany. “Hundreds of good people, including very important Ambassadors and Judges, are being blocked and/or slow walked by the Democrats in the Senate. Many important positions in Government are unfilled because of this obstruction. Worst in U.S. history!” Trump tweeted out regarding that.
Hundreds of good people, including very important Ambassadors and Judges, are being blocked and/or slow walked by the Democrats in the Senate. Many important positions in Government are unfilled because of this obstruction. Worst in U.S. history!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 14, 2018
It wasn’t until a month after Trump’s tweet that Grenell completed the confirmation process. He was confirmed in a 56-42 vote. Since he’s already been vetted by the Senate, it would be easier and quicker to appoint Grenell as UN Ambassador relative to other candidates.
He Has Experience Pertaining to the UN: Grenell has already worked as a US spokesman and political appointee for the UN for eight years – which makes him the longest serving appointee in the history of the UN
He’s Worked With John Bolton: Grenell has also previously worked with John Bolton, who has been US Ambassador to the UN under George W. Bush.
Trump Might Prefer He Stay in Germany: Despite the speculation, Trump may keep Grenell in his post in Germany. On Tuesday Trump said that there are five people he’s considering for the position, and Grenell was not one of them.
BREAKING: Trump says he’s considering 5 people for UN ambassador. Dina Powell is one of the five.
Grenell isn’t one of the 5.
“Ric Grenell is absolutely some one i would consider but” he’s doing so well in Germany,” Trump told us on AF1. “Rather keep Ric where he is.”— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) October 9, 2018
We don’t know the names of the five people on Trump’s short list, with the exception of Dina Powell, Trump’s National Security Adviser. He also said that Ivanka would make a great UN Ambassador, but didn’t indicate that she was in his “top five.”
He did say however, that it was possible Grenell could become Ambassador. “He is doing so well in a position that is so important. Rick is doing so well that I wouldn’t want to move him. I’d personally rather keep Rick where he is.” We shall see.