Former President-elect Donald Trump announced seven key appointments on Tuesday night via Truth Social, including Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. Ambassador to Greece and Tom Barrack as Ambassador to Turkey.
Guilfoyle, engaged to Donald Trump Jr. since December 31, 2020, brings a background in law and media to the role. “For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States.”
The appointment raises questions about diplomatic experience and Senate confirmation requirements. As stated in the announcement, Guilfoyle served as a prosecutor in California before her roles in media and political fundraising.
Tom Barrack, Trump’s longtime friend and 2017 inaugural committee chair, faces scrutiny over his 2022 acquittal on charges of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the UAE. During his trial, Barrack criticized Trump’s Middle East understanding, stating, “This amazingly good businessman became the president of the United States who could not spell the Middle East.”
Trump announced five other positions:
- Andrew Ferguson as Federal Trade Commission Chairman
- Mark Meador as FTC Commissioner
- Dan Bishop as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget
- Ed Martin as OMB Chief of Staff
- Jacob Helberg as Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth
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The appointments follow Trump’s November announcement naming Charles Kushner, Jared Kushner’s father, as ambassador to France, and Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, as senior adviser on Arab affairs.
Both ambassadorial appointments require Senate confirmation. Guilfoyle expressed readiness for the process, writing on X: “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.”
Trump stated that Guilfoyle is “perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation.”These diplomatic appointments will involve working with Mediterranean allies. According to Trump’s announcement, both positions will focus on advancing U.S. interests in their respective regions.
