“President Donald Trump has put Richard Grenell, a gay man with a same-sex partner, in the position of acting Director of National Intelligence, the cabinet-level official who oversees the U.S. intelligence community. After naming Grenell acting DNI on Feb. 19, Trump announced on Feb. 28 that he was nominating Rep. John Ratcliffe (R.-Texas) to take over as the full-time DNI. Ratcliffe, however, must first win a confirmation vote in the Senate to assume that role. On Feb. 20, 2019, the New York Times ran a story with the headline: ‘A U.S. Ambassador Promises a Global Push to Decriminalize Homosexuality.’ It said: ‘The American ambassador to Germany [appointed by President Trump] plans to lead what his embassy said Wednesday was a new and ‘specific push’ to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide. ‘The ambassador, Richard Grenell, rumored to be a candidate as the next American ambassador to the United Nations, invited about a dozen gay and transgender activists from around Europe to a dinner at his Berlin residence Tuesday night where the effort was discussed.’ On Oct. 3, 2018, the Times reported: ‘In recent years, the United States has posted several openly gay people to important ambassadorships. The most recent is Richard Grenell, the current ambassador to Germany, who was confirmed by the Senate in April. Mr. Grenell’s longtime partner, Matthew Lashey, accompanied him to Germany.’ On May 3, 2018, when Vice President Mike Pence swore-in Grenell as ambassador to Germany, he welcomed the presence of Grenell’s “partner,” Matt Lashey. Lashey held the Bible that Grenell put his hand on when he took the oath to God to uphold the Constitution and faithfully perform the duties of his office.” Pence said: “On behalf of President Trump and the First Family, it is my privilege to say, welcome to the White House for the swearing-in of the 29th United States Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell. (Applause.)”
“Trump Makes” CNSNews.com, Mar. 2, 2020