In a move that underscores his penchant for appointing loyalists and individuals with personal ties, President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday the nomination of Kimberly Guilfoyle as the next US Ambassador to Greece. The announcement, made via a post on Truth Social, highlights Guilfoyle’s extensive experience and close relationship with the Trump family.
Trump lauded Guilfoyle’s qualifications, stating, “For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally. Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad.” The 55-year-old lawyer and former Fox News host has been a vocal supporter of Trump, notably speaking at the Republican National Convention. Her personal connection to the Trump family – a past engagement to Donald Trump Jr. – adds another layer to this appointment. While the relationship has reportedly ended, the close ties remain undeniable.
Trump further emphasized Guilfoyle’s suitability for the role, asserting that she is “perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation.” This nomination aligns with Trump’s previous appointments, which have frequently featured individuals with strong personal relationships or proven loyalty. This strategy has been a defining characteristic of his previous presidential administration and appears to be continuing into his next term.
This appointment follows other high-profile nominations by Trump. He recently named Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as his choice for US Ambassador to France. Another notable appointment, announced on the same day as Guilfoyle’s nomination, is that of longtime friend Tom Barrack to serve as US Ambassador to Turkey. Barrack, a private equity executive, faced legal challenges in 2021 related to alleged unlawful actions as an agent of the United Arab Emirates, but was ultimately acquitted in 2022. These appointments continue to spark discussions regarding the balance between loyalty and qualifications in high-level governmental positions and the potential influence of personal relationships on foreign policy.
The nominations of Guilfoyle and Barrack, alongside the previously announced appointment of Kushner, present a clear picture of how President-elect Trump intends to assemble his diplomatic team, prioritizing loyalty and personal connection alongside professional experience. The impact of this approach on US foreign relations will undoubtedly be a subject of ongoing analysis and debate.
