Former Trump administration official Richard Grenell slammed a Politico article this week for claiming – without confirming – that he is in the process of putting together a staff for a gubernatorial run in California, according to Grenell’s Twitter. Grenell is one of the key organizers of the ‘Recall Gavin’ petition drive to force California Governor Gavin Newsom out of office over his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing economic crisis in the state.

The publication ran a story claiming Grenell “is interviewing campaign strategists and laying groundwork for a potential run for California governor if the bid to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom goes forward.”

Grenell tweeted saying, “@Politico lies again. Here is the full quote I gave to @davidsiders (which he cut down in order to push a false narrative). I don’t believe you have a source telling you that because it isn’t true and this is the second time Politico has pretended gossip is journalism.”

Moreover, Grenell tweeted the quote he sent Politico.

“I don’t believe you have a source telling you that because it isn’t true and this is the second time Politico has pretended gossip is journalism,” he Tweeted.

It didn’t matter. As of Sunday, the article still claims Grenell is looking to run. All this, based on comments made by an ‘unnamed’ Republican strategist who has allegedly spoken with Grenell about his plans.

Apparently Grenell’s own words don’t outweigh this anonymous strategist.

You can follow Ben Wilson on Twitter @BenDavisWilson