Kimberly Guilfoyle, former Fox News host and fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Greece despite lack of diplomatic experience.
At a Glance
- President-elect Trump nominates Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. Ambassador to Greece
- Guilfoyle lacks diplomatic experience but has background in law, media, and politics
- Trump also nominates Charles Kushner and Tom Barrack for key diplomatic positions
- Guilfoyle’s nomination raises questions about qualifications and potential conflicts of interest
Trump’s Controversial Ambassador Nominations
In a move that’s raising eyebrows across Washington, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and his son’s fiancée, as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece. This nomination, along with several others, showcases Trump’s tendency to appoint close allies and family members to key positions, regardless of their diplomatic experience.
Guilfoyle, known for her staunch support of Trump and her engagement to Donald Trump Jr., has no prior diplomatic experience. Her background primarily lies in law, media, and politics, including a stint as First Lady of San Francisco during her previous marriage to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump, however, sees these qualifications as sufficient for representing U.S. interests abroad.
Qualifications and Controversies
Despite Trump’s praise for Guilfoyle’s qualifications, her nomination has sparked debate about the appropriateness of appointing individuals with close personal ties to the President’s family to such significant diplomatic roles. Guilfoyle’s departure from Fox News in 2018 amid allegations of sexual harassment, which she denies, adds another layer of controversy to her nomination.
“For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally,” Trump said. “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.”
Trump’s nomination strategy extends beyond Guilfoyle. He has also tapped Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as U.S. Ambassador to France. Kushner’s nomination is particularly controversial given his previous conviction for tax crimes, for which he received a pardon from Trump in 2020. This pattern of nominating individuals with personal connections to the Trump family raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the prioritization of loyalty over experience in diplomatic appointments.
Other Key Diplomatic Appointments
In addition to Guilfoyle and Kushner, Trump has nominated Tom Barrack as Ambassador to Turkey. Barrack, a longtime friend and private equity executive, was recently acquitted of charges related to acting as an agent of the United Arab Emirates. Trump lauded Barrack as a “well-respected and experienced voice of reason,” despite the controversy surrounding his recent legal troubles.
These nominations reflect a broader trend in Trump’s approach to diplomatic appointments, favoring personal loyalty and connections over traditional qualifications or experience. Critics argue that this approach could potentially undermine the effectiveness of U.S. diplomacy and raise questions about the motivations behind these appointments.
