Who is Kimberly Guilfoyle? A look at Trump's new pick for ambassador to Greece

LOS ANGELES - President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle, a seasoned prosecutor, media personality, and political advisor, to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Greece. The announcement, made on December 10, 2024, highlights Guilfoyle’s close ties to Trump and her extensive career across law, media, and politics.

Trump described Guilfoyle as "a close friend and ally," praising her intellect and leadership skills. He stated that she is "perfectly suited" to advance U.S. interests in Greece on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and innovation.

A career spanning law, media and politics

Guilfoyle, 55, began her professional career in law after earning her degree from the University of San Francisco. She worked as a prosecutor in San Francisco and Los Angeles, focusing on high-profile cases.

In 2004, Guilfoyle transitioned into media, working as a legal analyst for Court TV, ABC News, and CNN. She joined Fox News in 2006, where she co-hosted "The Five" and became a prominent conservative commentator.

During her early career, Guilfoyle was married to California Gov. Gavin Newsom when he was mayor of San Francisco. The couple divorced in 2006, and Guilfoyle’s career trajectory shifted toward national media and politics.

Guilfoyle announced her engagement to Donald Trump Jr. in 2022. As a prominent surrogate during Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, she continued to deepen her ties to the broader Trump political orbit.

FILE - Kimberly Guilfoyle speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

"For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, praising her "extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics" and her "sharp intellect."

Ties to the Trump family

Guilfoyle began dating Donald Trump Jr. in 2018. The couple got engaged in 2022. Their relationship brought Guilfoyle closer to the Trump family’s political circle, where she became a vocal advocate for Trump’s policies. 

She has delivered speeches at rallies and appeared at major Republican events, including the 2020 and 2024 Republican National Conventions.

Why Greece?

Greece is a strategic partner for the United States, playing a crucial role in the Mediterranean region as a NATO ally. The country is facing several pressing challenges, including:

• A weakened economy that is still recovering from years of financial instability.
• A migrant crisis that requires international collaboration to manage effectively.
• Environmental disasters, including devastating wildfires, which have been intensified by the impacts of climate change.

The current U.S. ambassador to Greece, George James Tsunis, is a Democratic appointee who has served since 2022. Tsunis, a hotel executive and major donor to the Democratic Party, is Greek American and fluent in Greek.

In announcing her nomination, Trump highlighted Guilfoyle’s suitability for the role, stating, "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."

Guilfoyle also expressed her enthusiasm for the position in a statement:
"President Trump’s historic victory is bringing hope and optimism to the American people and to freedom-loving allies across the world. It was the democratic values born in Greece that helped shape the founding of America," she wrote.

"And now, we have an opportunity to honor that history by bringing better days here at home and abroad. 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."