Richard Grennel was a US Ambassador. As such, his appointment was confirmed by the US Senate. He was also later appointed as acting Director of National Intelligence, a cabinet level position, but was not confirmed by the US Senate as Director National Intelligence

Richard Grinnell was the first openly LGBTQ cabinet member, serving under Trump. Buttigieg is the first to be Senate-confirmed.

He is not the first openly LGBTQ cabinet member. Richard Grenell became the first when he was appointed Acting DNI

Richard Grennell was the first openly gay Cabinet-level appointee, appointed by President Trump.