Leader of Merkel’s bloc in parliament downplays irritation with new US ambassador

A leading member of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party is downplaying irritation with the new US ambassador that has led to opposition calls for his removal. Volker Kauder, the leader in parliament of Merkel’s Union bloc, suggested that outspoken opinions from the appointee of President Donald Trump are just something to get used to, AP reports. Kauder said Tuesday that conventionally an ambassador represents his country’s interests but “if the American ambassador understands his work a little differently, it’s up to him.” He said “you have to take it how it is.” In less than a month as ambassador, Richard Grenell has raised the ire of many, first for tweeting that German companies should stop doing business with Iran and then for saying he wants to “empower” European conservatives.