Trump names loyalist as acting head of intel agencies

President Donald Trump on Wednesday named U.S. ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to be acting director of national intelligence.

Known as a fervent, and at times abrasive, supporter of President Trump, Grenell will now oversee the 17 intelligence agencies in the US at a time when the President remains open skeptical about them.

Trump had a strained relationship with his former choice to hold that job, Dan Coats, who stepped down as director of national intelligence in August. Coats endorsed the intelligence community's assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump. Trump has repeatedly pushed back on that conclusion.

The president also has objected to U.S. intelligence community analysis of major issues - from Iran's nuclear program to North Korea - that have clashed with his own assessments.

But now the president will have a loyalist overseeing the nation's intelligence. As German Ambassador, Grenell has been a lightning rod for controversy since his arrival in 2018, with an unorthodox style of diplomacy that surprised many German officials.

One German lawmaker told Reuters this month that Grenell was less concerned about building closer ties with Germany than trying to please Trump.

Grenell, who is openly gay, advised several prominent Republicans before serving as the U.S. spokesman at the United Nations under the administration of George W. Bush.

In a statement, Senate Intelligence Committee member Ron Wyden, a Democrat, cited Grenell’s lack of intelligence experience, and said “If there was any doubt that Donald Trump values unquestioning obedience over the safety of the American people, this appointment settles the question.”

His appointment as acting director, as opposed to a permanent director, does not need confirmation by the Senate. He himself tweeted on Thursday that Trump would name a proper nominee “soon”, and it wouldn’t be him.