Trump expected to name Richard Grenell as acting head of intelligence

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By Dareh Gregorian and Peter Alexander  with NBC News Politics
Image: United States Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell attends a recept
U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell at a reception in Berlin on Jan. 14, 2019.   -  Copyright  Bernd von Jutrczenka dpa via AP file

Richard Grenell, the U.S. ambassador to Germany, is expected to be named acting Director of National Intelligence, a White House official told NBC News on Wednesday.

The move was first reported by the New York Times.

Grenell, an openly gay former Fox News commentator who is a vocal supporter of the president, would replace Joseph Maguire. Maguire has served as acting director since July of last year since Dan Coats resigned.

Grenell been a controversial figure due to his outspoken views on Twitter. He has come under fire in the past for tweets targeting women, including Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Rachel Maddow and Callista Gingrich.