Former Trump official Richard Grenell is reportedly considering a run to become governor of California.
Republicans are currently pushing a recall effort in a bid to remove the state’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, which could trigger a ballot on replacing the official.
The move, which comes amid rising anger from conservatives over coronavirus restrictions in the state, has sparked inevitable jockeying over who should be put forward to replace him.
One figure who is reportedly interested is Richard Grenell, an out-of-work Trump loyalist who had controversial postings as ambassador to Germany and interim director of national intelligence under the twice-impeached former president.
Former acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell. (Getty/Chip Somodevilla)
Controversial Trump loyalist Richard Grenell has been handed a new government role, as the president seeks to reward his allies with plum posts ahead of his exit from office.
The controversial gay Republican operative, who previously served as Trump’s ambassador to Germany and his acting national security advisor, has been nominated serve on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.
Grenell provoked controversy while serving as ambassador to Germany by giving an interview in which he said he would work to “empower” anti-migrant movements across Europe. Israeli outlet
Haaretznotes that he also expressed admiration for former Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz, a conservative hardliner who entered coalition with a far-right party.