Richard Grenell is known for his sharp tongue on social media. | Richard Drew/AP Trump to nominate Richard Grenell as ambassador to Germany

President Donald Trump intends to nominate Richard Grenell, a former spokesman for the U.S. mission to the United Nations under President George W. Bush, to be the next ambassador to Germany, the White House announced Friday.

Grenell, a prominent supporter of Trump, was previously said to be in the running for NATO ambassador, before former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who sources told POLITICO was Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s preferred choice, was tapped for the post in late June.


He reportedly had been under consideration for the ambassadorship since June.

In the announcement Friday, the White House hailed Grenell’s history of public service as the “longest serving United States spokesman at the United Nations (2001-2008) having served four United States Ambassadors.”

Grenell, 50, is known for his sharp tongue on social media. He has frequently appeared on TV, often speaking in support of the Trump administration.

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If confirmed, Grenell, who served as the campaign spokesman for Mitt Romney in the 2012 election, would become the first openly gay appointee of the Trump administration. Grenell’s short-lived stint in the Romney campaign made him the first openly gay spokesperson to serve a Republican presidential nominee.

He currently works in public affairs and lives in California.