U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Dec. 14 that he has appointed his aide Richard Grenell, a former U.S. ambassador to Germany, as a presidential envoy to handle North Korea-related issues. A seasoned career diplomat, the 58-year-old served as acting director of national intelligence (DNI) during Trump’s first term (2017–2021) and is considered a key advisor on foreign and security policy. Grenell is also seen as a proponent of dialogue between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, viewing it as a constructive step toward resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. This move follows Trump’s recent interview, where he hinted at renewed communication with North Korea, saying, “I get along well with Kim Jong-un.” Grenell’s appointment has raised expectations that talks between the U.S. and North Korea, which stalled during the Biden administration, could resume.
Trump said on social media that Grenell “will work in some of the hottest spots around the world, including Venezuela and North Korea.” He further noted Grenell’s experience working with North Korea and other nations at the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that North Korea will be a primary focus of his role. Grenell’s official title is Presidential Envoy for Special Missions. On Nov. 22, Trump also selected Alex Wong, a former deputy special representative for North Korea policy who was deeply involved in U.S.-North Korea negotiations during Trump’s first term, as deputy national security advisor to address North Korean issues.
Grenell, a graduate of Evangel University and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, has extensive diplomatic experience. During the George W. Bush administration (2001–2008), he handled public affairs and public diplomacy at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Initially critical of Trump during his first presidential campaign, calling him “dangerous,” Grenell became a loyalist after Trump secured the Republican nomination.
During Trump’s first term, Grenell held key roles, including special presidential envoy for Serbia-Kosovo peace talks, ambassador to Germany, and acting DNI, earning Trump’s trust. His expertise in foreign and security affairs, shared worldview with Trump, and long-proven loyalty are regarded as surpassing those of other appointees, such as Michael Waltz for national security advisor or Marco Rubio for secretary of state. Trump has often praised Grenell as a “great fighter.” When Reuters speculated that Grenell might be named envoy to Iran, Trump hinted at a more significant role and, two days later, appointed him as special envoy for North Korea.
Grenell’s new role as envoy is likened to that of a “libero,” unrestrained by specific mandates. Given Trump’s reasoning behind the appointment, many expect that if there is a chance for U.S.-North Korea dialogue, Trump will actively utilize Grenell for hands-on tasks. Trump, who frequently touted his rapport with Kim Jong-un during the election campaign, reiterated in a Time magazine interview on Dec. 12, “I get along very well with Kim Jong-un. I’m probably the only one he’s ever really dealt with,” signaling his intention to restart talks.
