Amid an ongoing dispute over whether the distinction of being the first openly LGBTQ Cabinet official belongs to Pete Buttigieg or Richard Grenell, the White House said Friday that President Trump believes the distinction belongs to Grenell, even though the Trump appointee didn’t seek or obtain Senate confirmation for his Cabinet-level role.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Brian Morgenstern, gaggling with reporters, said in response to a question from the Washington Blade Trump “does agree” with the designation of Grenell as acting director of national intelligence makes him the first openly LGBTQ Cabinet official. “Yes, the president does agree with that,” Morgenstern said. “He’s very proud of it.