President-elect Donald Trump appears poised to make history by potentially appointing Ric Grenell, a fiercely conservative diplomat and the first openly gay person to be considered for the role of Secretary of State.
Grenell, a loyal Trump supporter and former acting Director of National Intelligence, is viewed by many as Trump’s likely choice for the influential position.
If appointed, Grenell would become the first openly gay man to serve as Secretary of State, a role that oversees U.S. foreign affairs and has traditionally wielded considerable power. Prominent figures who have held this position include Cordell Hull, Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, and John Kerry, along with early presidents like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Grenell, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Germany, has a reputation for his staunch right-wing views and confrontational style. Known for his bold social media presence, where he frequently critiques progressive figures and shares conservative viewpoints, Grenell has already raised concerns among diplomats over his potential impact on international relations.
Former CIA analyst Fulton Armstrong described Grenell as “cunning and effective” and noted that his aggressive style could make him an intimidating presence within the State Department, particularly for those who may feel vulnerable to his tactics. Armstrong added that Grenell “knows who can be seduced, intimidated, and destroyed” and suggested his appointment could strengthen Trump’s influence over foreign policy.
In a recent speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Grenell appeared to reference his own diplomatic style, asserting that the U.S. needs a “son of a b***h diplomat” to get things done on the world stage. He credited Trump’s success to focusing on the economy over politics, advocating for greater trade to solve international issues.
Grenell’s high-profile presence within Trump’s circle extends beyond his potential new role. He received the “Game Changer” award from the Log Cabin Republicans in 2021, an organisation that works to foster understanding between the LGBTQ+ community and the Republican Party. Grenell, who has a long-term partner, Matt Lashey, is also reportedly being considered for other top roles, such as CIA director or national security advisor.
