RICHARD GRENELL’S MILITARY SERVICE AND POSSIBLE ROLE IN 2024
Richard Grenell was one of the key figures in Trump’s administration, and made significant contributions to American national security. Richard Grenell’s military service and leadership had an impact on the country’s intelligence operations. With the upcoming election, there are questions in the Republican party over potential cabinet members, and Grenell is one of the top picks for Secretary of State. Each cabinet member plays a huge role in running the country. Thus, the two presidential nominees have a hard task ahead of them and should consider all the necessary information when appointing someone.
Richard Grenell’s Military Service and Future Role in a Trump Administration
From May 2018 to early 2020, Richard Grenell was ambassador to Germany. While there, he was well-known for his vocal backing of President Trump and his emphasis on defense and military issues. Grenell stressed the value of collective security in Europe during his term by pressuring Germany to increase defense spending in accordance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) rules and directives. In an effort to strengthen military ties with the other EU countries, he frequently attacked Germany for not making a sufficient contribution to NATO's defense program.Grenell left his position as ambassador in February 2020 to take on the role of Acting Director of National Intelligence. He was in charge of the country's 17 intelligence agencies and concentrated despite having no formal training in intelligence. When he was the head of DNI, Grenell focused on making sure that the country was always military-ready. He also had an efficient intelligence operation safeguarding national security. His previous role as a special envoy for Kosovo and Serbia also highlighted his engagement in international military diplomacy. This is crucial for him as he is one of the top picks for the position of Secretary of State if Trump gets re-elected.
Cabinet Members Who Also Served in the Military
Aside from Richard Grenell’s military service, these are the other two cabinet members who also served in the military during Trump’s presidency.
James Mattis, Former Secretary of Defense
General Jim Mattis, a retired officer of the United States Marine Corps, held the position of 26th Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump. Mattis had an impressive 43-year military career before he worked under Trump’s presidency. He served as a lieutenant in the Third Marine Division. This was before rising to command the First Marine Division in the first invasion of Iraq. He also served as the head of U.S. Central Command, which oversaw military operations involving more than 250,000 soldiers in the Middle East. Leading U.S. Joint Forces Command and holding the position of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation are two of his career accomplishments.
John Kelly, Former Chief of Staff
John Kelly took over Reince Priebus, the longest-serving head of the Republican National Committee, as the chief of staff. Trump chose him because he is a four-star general in the Marine Corps, and his experience as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security is crucial for the job.At the age of 20, John Kelly joined the Marine Corps. He was sent to Guantanamo Bay for the first time in 1971. He rose through the ranks after earning his degree from the University of Massachusetts, serving in a variety of roles in Camp Pendleton, Washington, D.C., and aboard aircraft carriers.John Kelly was elevated to brigadier general in 2002. He was heavily involved in the 1st Marine Division's operations in Iraq. His leadership during the Anbar Awakening in 2008 was a result of his deployment to the Anbar and western Nineveh districts of Iraq. Kelly went on to lead Marine Forces North and Reserves and lead the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in 2011.
Who Could Be in Trump’s Cabinet in 2024?
Loyalty is being prioritized in the selection of Donald Trump's cabinet members in the event that he wins a second term this November. Here are the possible people that are being considered for cabinet positions:
- Secretary of State: Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, who were once considered potential running mates for Trump, are reportedly vying for the position. They are up against competition from Mike Pompeo, who served in that capacity for most of Trump's first term.
- Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles is at the top of the list. She is a veteran political consultant from Florida who served as the backbone of Trump's election campaign. Her co-campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, is also believed to be in the running.
- Attorney General: Ken Paxton was praised by Trump as a very talented guy but added that "a lot of people want that one" when he said in May that he would consider the controversial lawyer. Elise Stefanik, a loyalist congresswoman from New York, is another candidate who has been suggested for the position.
Other cabinet positions are still being discussed as the elections draw near.Read next:
- As Election Nears, Trump Promises to Make a Fort Liberty Name Change
- Federal Investigation: Who Accessed Vance, Walz VA Records?
- Which Political Party Supports the Military?
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons, Gage Skidmore
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