The Senate voted Thursday to confirm Richard Grenell — a Republican commentator, operative and former aide to new national security adviser John Bolton — as the next ambassador to Germany, despite objections from Democrats that his past epithets about prominent female politicians made him unfit for the job. Merkel’s visit is expected to be a testier and less festive affair than the reception President Trump offered French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week. including the Iran deal.”“I hope he doesn’t start tweeting about Chancellor Merkel if he gets the position,” Menendez added. “When you are speaking as a U.S. official, it’s not your opinion that you are pushing but it’s a well-thought-out U.S. policy. toward Mr. Grenell, a highly qualified nominee from President Trump,” adding that the slight to Grenell “will be remembered.”With the confirmation vote, Grenell becomes the most senior openly gay person to join the Trump administration.

Source: Washington Post April 26, 2018 18:43 UTC