Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday swore in Richard Grenell as the U.S. ambassador to Germany, praising the former United Nations spokesman as "uniquely qualified" for the position.
"With Ambassador Grenell leading our diplomatic mission to Germany, we're going to confront shared challenges, seek our shared opportunities and build a shared future with our allies and friends in Germany," Pence said in a video posted Thursday night on Twitter.
Grenell, 51, one of President Donald Trump's most prominent openly gay appointees, was joined at the ceremony by his family.
His longtime partner, Matt Lashey, held the Bible while Pence read the oath of office, according to news reports.
Grenell is the longest-serving U.N. spokesman, appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001.
He remained through 2008 and worked with Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton when he was U.N. ambassador.
Grenell also holds a master's in public administration from Harvard University and served as national security spokesman for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in his 2012 presidential campaign.
He praised President Trump for being a "man who's totally focused on the American people.
"I promise as part of the administration, to keep my focus on the American people and to make sure that I represent you well," Grenell said.
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