We didn’t know an explanation was needed — cable news networks have politicians and pundits and contributors on all the time — but CNN political analyst Joe Lockhart was curious why the U.S. Ambassador to Germany would be appearing on Martha MacCallum’s Fox News show to talk about the world and the vice president and … 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg, who’s been getting a lot of mileage out on the campaign trail explaining how harmful Mike Pence has been to the LGBT community.

Why is a sitting US ambassador going on TV to talk about a Presidential candidate? — Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) April 18, 2019

Is this a serious question? — Helen (@Ham6966) April 18, 2019

Why not? — Pappyt (@Pappytx1) April 18, 2019

Why have you popped up running your mouth all of a sudden? Adjusting to a new medication? — Harry Soetoro (@harry_soetoro) April 18, 2019

Ambassadors don’t represent the administration? — Billy Wyatt ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@ConservaDude1) April 18, 2019

Because he’s gay and is being honest about VP, and calling out Pete’s hate hoax. He has character! — bbnanny (@NanbumHall) April 19, 2019

Why not? Just because you want him silenced doesn’t mean he will be. In fact, we are not rolling over anymore! Expect pushback—and a lot of it! — Tammie ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@galloy_tammie) April 19, 2019

Because his friend is being personally attacked by a leftist. — Mz. J. (@jaybluuee) April 19, 2019

You know, that thing called free speech. It's why you're allowed to tweet stupid sh*t like you just did. — Lori Latimer (@lorilatimer) April 19, 2019

Grenell himself popped to clarify that yes, he was going on to talk about Buttigieg’s one-sided “feud” with Pence.

My friend was attacked. I’m defending my friend from a terrible & erroneous charge of homophobia. And I’m gay. https://t.co/PvJsPq1APy — Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) April 18, 2019

You are a good friend. — Chad Felix Greene (@chadfelixg) April 18, 2019

Thank you, Richard, for a heartfelt and articulate comment about Mike Pence. #admirablecourage — Ronda Schmidt (@fiftiesteacher) April 18, 2019

Can't wait to give you the biggest hug ever when you get back here to the Coachella Valley thank you for you just being you — Randy Economy (@EconomyRadio) April 18, 2019

Great job! Thank you for being a voice of civility and reason. — Holly Bowie (@Hollybowie) April 18, 2019

You’re the greatest ?? — Travy (@TravisBrege) April 18, 2019

You are just my favorite. Thank you for your leadership, honesty & service on behalf of all citizens. — Rosalie (@BigRose25) April 18, 2019

Thank you Rick. God bless you sir! You have a good heart. @VP is a good man and you are too. Both of you have proven we don't have to think the same to love one another. — JohnPel (@JohnPel5) April 18, 2019

Hate hoax, well said. ?????? — Linda (@haucebauce) April 18, 2019

Thank you. You are awesome. ♥️ — Nanj Obri (@NanjObri) April 18, 2019

And a principled, decent man. Why some of us have followed you for a couple of years. We respect your judgment. — Patrick ?????????? (@pianoman817) April 18, 2019

@joelockhart why don’t you ask @PeteButtigieg why he’s making all these false accusations? That might answer your question. — Chris Wray (@chriswray3) April 18, 2019

Have him on your stupid podcast.

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