President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to nominate Kimberly Guilfoyle as the U.S. ambassador to Greece. He is also anticipated to select billionaire Tilman Fertitta, owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, as the U.S. ambassador to Italy, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Guilfoyle, who previously worked as a host at Fox News and is now a political fundraiser, has been in a relationship with Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. In a statement, Trump praised Guilfoyle, 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.”
Her nomination will require confirmation from the Senate. Following the announcement, Guilfoyle expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “I’m honored to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece, and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate.” She emphasized her commitment to advancing the Trump agenda and supporting U.S. relations with Greece.
Guilfoyle, 55, has a legal background, having served as a prosecutor in California before entering the television industry. She was previously married to California Governor Gavin Newsom. During her speech at the Republican convention in July, she stated, “In our vision, America will combat foreign aggressors and ensure our service members are protected, not abandoned, as they carry out their dangerous missions abroad, because we know we can only have peace through strength.”
Trump has a history of appointing individuals with close personal relationships to key roles. This includes Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared, as ambassador to France, and Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law as an adviser on Middle East matters. Notably, during Trump’s first term, his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner served as senior White House officials.
As for Fertitta’s anticipated nomination, officials from the Trump transition team have not commented. Fertitta is a prominent GOP donor and the head of Landry’s Inc., which manages hotels, restaurants, and casinos. He is known for his role on the CNBC reality show “Billion Dollar Buyer” and owns over 600 properties across multiple states and countries, including the famous Golden Nugget Casino.
This period of transition shows a focus on fostering strong relationships not only within the U.S. but also abroad, suggesting a potential direction for international diplomacy.
While the appointments may seem to prioritize personal connections, they also reflect a strategy to strengthen alliances with key allies like Greece and Italy during Trump’s administration. This could potentially pave the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefit in areas of trade, security, and cultural exchange. Overall, Guilfoyle’s and Fertitta’s nominations could symbolize a commitment to proactive U.S. engagement on the global stage.