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US Ambassador to Germany Grenell Takes Charge of US Intelligence, for Now

Jeff Seldin

   WASHINGTON - The soon-to-be acting chief of the United States'
   intelligence agencies says he won't be on the job for long.

   In a tweet Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell
   confirmed he is taking the post only on a temporary basis and that,
   "The President will announce the Nominee (not me) sometime soon."

     Correct. Acting. The President will announce the Nominee (not me)
     sometime soon. [1]https://t.co/9ShqB2eXea
     -- Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) [2]February 20, 2020

   The U.S. has been without a permanent director of national intelligence
   since mid-August of 2019, when Dan Coats officially stepped down
   following a series of public clashes with President Donald Trump over
   intelligence assessments.

   But so far there is no word from the White House on just when a
   permanent replacement will be nominated.

   In the meantime, Grenell is set to take over from current acting
   Director Joseph Maguire, who by law cannot continue in an acting
   capacity beyond March 12.

   Trump first announced the move to Grenell in a tweet late Wednesday.

     I am pleased to announce that our highly respected Ambassador to
     Germany, [3]@RichardGrenell, will become the Acting Director of
     National Intelligence. Rick has represented our Country exceedingly
     well and I look forward to working with him. I would like to thank
     Joe Maguire....
     -- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) [4]February 20, 2020

   In a statement Thursday, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham
   praised Grenell and his qualifications for the role.

   "He has years of experience working with our Intelligence Community in
   a number of additional positions, including as Special Envoy for
   Serbia-Kosovo Negotiations and as United States spokesman to the United
   Nations," Grisham said, adding, "He is committed to a non-political,
   non-partisan approach as head of the Intelligence Community, on which
   our safety and security depend."

   An administration official also confirmed to VOA that Grenell will keep
   his job as ambassador to Germany and continue to serve as special envoy
   for peace negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo as he leads national
   intelligence efforts.

   Grenell, known as a staunch Trump loyalist, caused a stir in Germany
   upon assuming his diplomatic post, saying that he wanted to "empower
   other conservatives throughout Europe, other leaders."

   Some German lawmakers viewed the comments as unusually interventionist
   and Germany's Foreign Ministry demanded an explanation.
   

References

   Visible links
   1. https://t.co/9ShqB2eXea
   2. https://twitter.com/RichardGrenell/status/1230511993620193286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
   3. https://twitter.com/RichardGrenell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
   4. https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1230287397377626112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

   Hidden links:
   5. file://localhost/europe/germany-asks-us-envoy-explain-comment-empowering-conservatives

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