Trump Names Kimberly Guilfoyle and Tom Barrack as Ambassadors to Greece and Turkey
Trump Announces Nominations for Ambassadors to Greece and Turkey
In a pair of social media posts, President-elect Donald Trump has named former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle and billionaire investor Tom Barrack as his nominees for ambassadors to Greece and Turkey, respectively. These appointments signal Trump's intention to tap trusted allies and long-time associates to serve in key diplomatic roles in Europe and the Middle East.
Tom Barrack: A Veteran Investor and Trump Ally Nominated for Turkey
Tom Barrack, the founder of Colony Capital, has been nominated by Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey. Trump praised Barrack's experience and his longstanding relationship with political and business leaders worldwide.
"For three decades, Tom successfully managed a global private equity firm," Trump wrote on Truth Social, emphasizing Barrack's respectability and experience in both business and political circles. Barrack is a well-known figure within the Trump administration and played a key role as the chair of Trump's 2017 inauguration committee.
Barrack, who was acquitted of charges in 2022 involving his alleged role as an unregistered foreign agent for the United Arab Emirates, has long been a trusted advisor to Trump. His nomination for the ambassadorship to Turkey follows his extensive work within the global investment community and his deep political connections.
Kimberly Guilfoyle: Trump’s Close Ally Tapped for Greece
In a separate post, Trump announced Kimberly Guilfoyle, his close friend and former Fox News personality, as his pick to be the U.S. Ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, who is engaged to Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr., has been a long-time ally of the former president.
"Kimberly is perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation," Trump wrote. Guilfoyle, who has also served as an outspoken supporter of Trump, expressed her excitement about the nomination, emphasizing her commitment to the Trump agenda.
"As ambassador, I look forward to delivering on the Trump agenda, supporting our Greek allies, and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity," Guilfoyle wrote in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Other Key Appointments: Ronald Johnson and Charles Kushner
In addition to the Greece and Turkey ambassadorships, Trump made several other high-profile announcements. He nominated Ronald Johnson as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Johnson, who served as ambassador to El Salvador during Trump’s first administration, will bring his expertise to strengthen U.S.-Mexico relations. Trump lauded Johnson's previous experience and his work with former Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump also named Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to be ambassador to France. This appointment is yet another example of Trump relying on trusted family connections, as Kushner has long played a significant role in the former president's political and business endeavors.
Trump’s team also appointed Massad Boulous, who is connected to Trump through his daughter Tiffany Trump’s marriage, as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Senate Confirmation Required
As with all ambassadorial appointments, these selections are subject to Senate confirmation. While the outcome of the confirmation process remains to be seen, Trump’s nominations signal his intention to surround himself with familiar faces and loyal allies in key diplomatic roles.
Conclusion: Trump's Diplomatic Strategy
Trump's ambassadorial picks reveal his strategy of relying on close friends, family members, and longtime business partners for key diplomatic roles. From the nomination of Tom Barrack for Turkey to Kimberly Guilfoyle as the ambassador to Greece, these appointments underscore Trump’s emphasis on loyalty and political alignment in shaping his administration's foreign policy approach