Trump ally goes silent: The curious case of Richard Grenell's sudden Twitter retreat

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 1 January 2025 |  JP Staff Report

Donald Trump's envoy Richard Grenell has abruptly ceased tweeting about Pakistan, raising concerns among supporters and critics alike. His last comment was directed at Sherry Rehman regarding alleged funding issues.

Summary

ISLAMABAD-President-elect Donald Trump's special envoy who set Pakistani social media ablaze with his passionate "Free Imran Khan" campaign has mysteriously gone quiet, leaving supporters puzzled and critics raising eyebrows. Richard Grenell, whose December Twitter storms created political earthquakes in Pakistan's digital sphere, hasn't mentioned Pakistan or Imran Khan for nearly a week.

Just days ago, Grenell was engaging in heated exchanges with Pakistan's media elite, most notably in a fiery clash with veteran journalist Nusrat Javeed. The confrontation reached its climax when Javeed boldly challenged Grenell with the dramatic declaration: "Get me killed, if your complaining doesn't help."

Grenell's last Pakistan-related salvo came on December 26, targeting PPP stalwart Sherry Rehman over alleged NED funding. "What a waste of US taxpayer money. Sherry has been exposed," he tweeted, before falling conspicuously silent on Pakistani matters.

The Questions Everyone's Asking:

Has diplomatic pressure forced this sudden silence? Are there behind-the-scenes developments we don't know about? What does this mean for Imran Khan's international support base?

From Media Warfare to Mystery The abrupt cessation of Grenell's Pakistan-focused tweets comes after weeks of intense online battles that saw him:

Engage in a war of words with respected journalist Nusrat Javeed Dismiss popular anchor Waseem Badami Face accusations of influence peddling Generate controversy over his vocal support for imprisoned former PM Imran Khan

Meanwhile, Javeed's explosive allegation that PTI might be operating a bot in Grenell's name adds another layer of intrigue to this unfolding drama.

What Next?: The Deafening Silence

Grenell's sudden silence raises questions about the international dynamics at play. PTI supporters, who previously celebrated his vocal support, are left wondering about the implications of this unexpected quiet period. Is this merely a temporary pause or a strategic retreat? Only time will tell, but one thing's certain: in Pakistan's high-stakes political arena, even silence speaks volumes.

Photo: AFP

KEY POINTS:

• Grenell engaged fiercely with Pakistani media before his silence.
• His last tweet on December 26 criticized Sherry Rehman.
• Questions arise about the reasons behind his sudden retreat.
• PTI supporters are questioning the implications for Imran Khan.
• Nusrat Javeed alleged PTI might be using a bot in Grenell's name.