Grenell Gets the North Korea Job—What Does That Mean for U.S.-North Korea Relations?

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his key foreign policy advisor, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, as the Special Envoy for North Korea. This move suggests that Trump, set to take office next month, is preparing to restart dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump announced Grenell’s appointment on Saturday through his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated, “Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea.” Trump highlighted Grenell’s eight years of experience at the United Nations Security Council, where he worked with numerous countries, including North Korea. He emphasized that Rick will persist in advocating for peace through strength and always prioritize “America First.”

Grenell, 59, has been a key diplomatic advisor to Trump. During Trump’s first term, he served as U.S. ambassador to Germany, acting Director of National Intelligence, and special envoy for Kosovo-Serbia negotiations. Initially critical of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, Grenell later became one of his loyal supporters.

Grenell was being considered for key diplomatic positions during Trump’s second potential term, such as Secretary of State, CIA Director, or Special Envoy for the Ukraine War. Reuters reported on December 11 that Trump had slated him for appointment as Special Envoy to Iran. Trump later stated, “Richard Grenell is a fabulous person, A STAR. He will be someplace, high up!” hinting at plans to place him in an even more significant role.

While the Special Envoy role ranks lower than Secretary of State, it doesn’t require Senate confirmation. The New York Times noted that this could help Grenell avoid scrutiny over controversial hotel projects he pursued in the Balkans with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Grenell’s appointment as Special Envoy for North Korea suggests that Trump places values dialogue with Pyongyang. Last month, Reuters reported that Trump was considering direct talks with Kim to reduce the risk of military conflict with North Korea.

The Financial Times reported that Grenell’s mission as Special Envoy is broad and somewhat ambiguous. Trump clearly intends for Grenell to play a crucial role in U.S. policy toward North Korea, especially given North Korea’s emerging alliance with Russia and its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

South China Morning Post also reported that Grenell could help restart dialogue with North Korea through his new role.

These developments have led to speculation that the frosty relations between North Korea and the U.S. during the Biden administration could thaw with Trump’s potential return to power.

Trump also nominated Devin Nunes, CEO of his Truth Social platform, as chair of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB). This body oversees intelligence agencies’ compliance with constitutional and legal standards and advises the president on their operations.