President-elect Donald Trump responded to reports that former acting director of national intelligence Richard “Rick” Grenell could become special envoy to Iran, calling him a “fantastic person” and a “star.” did.
Reuters reported that President Trump is considering appointing Grenell to the post, citing “two people familiar with transition planning.”
“He is definitely a candidate,” a person familiar with the deliberations told the outlet on condition of anonymity. But Grenell said the report was a “hoax.”
President Trump shared the Reuters report on Truth Social on Wednesday night. He neither confirmed nor denied the information in the article, but wrote, “Richard Grenell is a great guy and a star. He's probably somewhere up high!”
President Trump announces more nominees for Voice of America broadcast director, including Kali Lake
President-elect Donald Trump says former acting intelligence director Rick Grenell will serve in a “senior” position for a second term, after Reuters reported that Grenell was being considered for special envoy to Iran. Ta. (Justin Merriman/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Grenell shared a link to the Reuters article on his X account on Wednesday night, denying the information presented.
“No. See you later,” he wrote. “I hope there's a real editor somewhere at @Reuters who does journalism. This is a hoax.”
Rick Grenell criticized a Reuters report that he was being considered for special envoy to Iran as a “hoax” shortly after the exclusive was published on Wednesday evening. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Grenell has served in various capacities during President Trump's second term, including serving as Secretary of State before the appointment of Sen. Marco Rubio and special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict before the appointment of retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg. He was rumored to be a candidate for the post.
Get to know President Trump's Cabinet: Who has been selected so far?
The person selected for the Iran position will be responsible for “developing, coordinating, and implementing the State Department's Iran policy,” according to the job description.
Assuming the Senate approves his nomination, this person will report directly to Mr. Rubio.
Rick Grenell, the former acting director of national intelligence, campaigns for Mr. Trump in Grand Rapids, Michigan during the 2024 election. (Sarah Rice/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Grenell has been a staunch ally of President Trump since his first term, appearing frequently on the 2024 campaign trail to show support for the president-elect.
Fox News Digital has contacted Reuters for comment.
