President-elect Donald Trump revealed his intention to nominate Kimberly Guilfoyle as the U.S. ambassador to Greece. Alongside her appointment, he is also expected to name billionaire Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, as the ambassador to Italy—news corroborated by sources familiar with the decision.
Guilfoyle, formerly a Fox News host and a prominent political fundraiser, is also noted for her personal relationship with Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. In a statement, Trump praised Guilfoyle, highlighting her “extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics,” and asserting that her qualifications make her well-suited to represent American interests on the international stage.
Following the announcement, Guilfoyle expressed her gratitude and eagerness 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 fostering stronger ties with U.S. allies, particularly Greece.
At 55, Guilfoyle has built a diverse career, starting in law as a prosecutor in California before moving on to television and political fundraising. She has been a visible presence in Trump’s campaign, participating notably in fundraising efforts and delivering a speech at the Republican convention.
Trump has a track record of filling key positions with close associates, including family members and longstanding allies. This pattern is evident in past appointments, such as his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and the father of his daughter Tiffany’s husband, who were both given significant roles in the White House during his first term.
As for Tilman Fertitta, while Trump transition officials have not commented on his anticipated nomination for the ambassadorship in Italy, he is recognized as a prominent GOP donor and a close friend of Trump. Fertitta owns Landry’s Inc., a major hospitality corporation with a vast portfolio, including the Golden Nugget Casino and various restaurants. He has also appeared on the reality show “Billion Dollar Buyer” and was present at a recent SpaceX launch alongside Trump and Elon Musk.
In summary, Guilfoyle and Fertitta’s nominations reflect Trump’s continued strategy of surrounding himself with individuals he has personal ties to, suggesting a consistent approach in shaping his administration. As both nominees await Senate confirmation, their proposed appointments pave the way for potentially strong diplomatic relations with Greece and Italy, emphasizing cooperation and promoting U.S. interests abroad. Moving forward, their leadership roles could lead to innovative strategies that strengthen international partnerships.