CNN: US Ambassador to Germany Could Replace John Bolton

One of the individuals who has been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace fired national security adviser John Bolton is U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, CNN reported.

Grenell, a veteran of the State Dept. and national security matters, is considered one of the staunchest supporters of the president’s foreign policy agenda.

Although one source said the fact that Grenell is viewed as an ally of Bolton could harm his chances, he is seen from within the White House as an effective ambassador.

The Hill's John Solomon wrote in an opinion article on Wednesday that Grenell would make a great choice for the job, as he "has shown remarkable competence in downsizing the once-giant European Union lioness Angela Merkel on the world stage and achieving numerous strategic wins for America from Berlin."

Among the important achievements for Grenell as ambassador, according to Solomon, have been to press the Europeans to increase their anemic NATO spending — a key strategic goal for President Donald Trump; to push the Germans relentlessly to resist a new Russian gas pipeline called Nord Stream 2; and forcing the Germans to block an Iranian airline from servicing the country.

However, Forbes contributor Sebastien Roblin wrote on Tuesday that "Grenell has distinguished himself more by his willingness to espouse his support for right-wing parties than by his ability to get along with Germans."

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