President-elect Donald Trump announces two high-profile ambassadorial nominations, selecting former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle as the next U.S. ambassador to Greece and private equity executive Tom Barrack as ambassador to Turkey. The appointments, announced on Truth Social, underscore Trump’s preference for individuals with close ties to his administration and political vision.
Guilfoyle, a prominent conservative media personality and former prosecutor, is known for her legal expertise and outspoken support for Trump’s policies. The president-elect praised Guilfoyle for her “extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics” and highlighted her “sharp intellect” as a key asset for representing the United States in Greece. If confirmed, Guilfoyle will navigate complex diplomatic challenges, including U.S.-Greece relations amidst ongoing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, economic partnerships, and defense cooperation as part of NATO.
Tom Barrack, a private equity magnate and longtime Trump confidant, has been tapped to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, a pivotal ally and sometimes contentious partner in the region. Barrack’s close ties to the Middle East and his experience in international business are seen as central to advancing U.S. interests in Ankara. Trump described Barrack as “uniquely qualified” to manage the delicate relationship with Turkey, which involves balancing cooperation on counterterrorism and NATO initiatives with addressing human rights concerns and regional stability.
Both nominations have sparked intense reactions. Supporters applaud Trump for appointing individuals with proven loyalty and diverse expertise, arguing that their unique perspectives will strengthen U.S. diplomacy. Critics, however, have questioned whether Guilfoyle’s media background and Barrack’s business ties make them suitable for these critical roles. Skeptics also point to the challenging geopolitical environments both nominees will face, with Greece and Turkey navigating contentious issues such as energy disputes, migration crises, and military alignments.
The nominations are expected to face rigorous confirmation hearings in the Senate, where lawmakers will scrutinize the nominees’ qualifications, diplomatic strategies, and potential conflicts of interest. The appointments also signal Trump’s intent to maintain close control over foreign policy by placing trusted allies in influential diplomatic posts.
As Guilfoyle and Barrack prepare for the confirmation process, their selections reflect Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy, blending personal loyalty with a focus on reshaping U.S. influence abroad.
