Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) on Monday forcefully criticized U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell for saying he hopes to “empower” conservatives in Europe, and said he should be recalled if he makes similar statements in the future.

“An ambassador’s most critical responsibility is to advance our national interests by developing relationships and trust with their host country. They should not meddle in local or regional politics by backing political parties, candidates or causes,” Shaheen said in a statement.

“If Ambassador Grenell is unwilling to refrain from political statements, he should be recalled immediately,” she continued. “The United States does not accept foreign meddling in our elections, and we shouldn’t have an ambassador attempting to intrude in another country’s political affairs.”

{mosads}

Grenell, who was sworn in last month, told Breitbart News over the weekend that he hoped to empower anti-establishment candidates across the Atlantic, adding that he’d spoken with conservative European leaders who were energized by President Trump’s victory.

“I absolutely want to empower other conservatives throughout Europe, other leaders,” Grenell said. “I think there is a groundswell of conservative policies that are taking hold because of the failed policies of the left.”

Grenell stood by his remarks on Sunday, but disputed that he was endorsing any political party or candidate.

Absurd. I condemn those comments completely. Don’t put words in my mouth. The idea that I’d endorse candidates/parties is ridiculous. I stand by my comments that we are experiencing an awakening from the silent majority – those who reject the elites & their bubble. Led by Trump. https://t.co/DjSX4SL3bf

— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) June 3, 2018

Germany’s foreign minister reportedly reached out to the U.S. to seek clarity on what Grenell meant by his remarks. The German state secretary said she plans to discuss the matter with Grenell this week.