The new U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has caused as much… buzz before even setting foot in Athens as stars of film and music do… after all, beyond being a respected lawyer, she is also a television star, which has made her, for many, a… “star” of diplomacy in terms of recognizability and reputation, at least.
Because her work in this critical field of bilateral relations is only just beginning.
Kimberly Guilfoyle is the first woman to assume the role of United States Ambassador to Greece.
Her selection by President Trump cannot be considered merely coincidental.
The fascinating resume
It is a fact that until now, perhaps only in the case of the child movie wonder, Shirley Temple, who left the screen for diplomacy, has any diplomatic representative experienced such publicity.
This is not accidental, considering the fascinating resume behind her striking appearance, excellent studies, and impressive professional trajectory, of course, of the new American ambassador, who departs from classical diplomatic paths and resembles more that of a TV star.
Guilfoyle was not born with a silver spoon.
She is the daughter of immigrants, a Puerto Rican mother and Irish father, who emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 20.
She grew up in San Francisco and Daly City, but her life took a dramatic turn when her mother, Mercedes, died of leukemia, which brought her even closer to her father, Anthony Guilfoyle, who served in the U.S. Army and later worked in real estate.
He was a close friend of the Democratic Party and advised Gavin Newsom, the future governor of California, who married Kimberly in 2001.
Together they became a political lifestyle power couple until their divorce in 2007.
Big plans
However, Guilfoyle apparently had bigger plans than just being the wife of a politician.
After her marriage to Newsom, she decided to leave politics behind and turn to television and media.
Since 2004, she began her television career as a legal analyst at Court TV, and later at Anderson Cooper 360°.
The publicity opened many doors for her, and her relationship with Newsom placed her at the heart of the political establishment.
In her personal life, after divorcing Newsom, Kimberly married entrepreneur Eric Villency, with whom she had a son, but this marriage also ended in 2009.
The crucial relationship and… turbulence
The major turning point came in June 2018 when it became known that Guilfoyle was in a relationship with Donald Trump Jr.
Their relationship was politically charged, as Guilfoyle, who in the meantime had switched camps from the Democrats to the Republicans, became a key member of Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and later continued to support the former president relentlessly until his last presidential campaign in 2024.
Before leaving Fox News in 2018, Guilfoyle had signed a long-term contract with the network, but her departure coincided with allegations of sexual harassment by a colleague.
The $4 million agreement with Fox News and her involvement in political scandals did not hinder Guilfoyle’s rise in the political world.
A new era in Greek-American relations – The new U.S. ambassador could change the geopolitical game in the Mediterranean
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s appointment fits into a U.S. diplomatic strategy that highlights Greece as a central actor in the Eastern Mediterranean during a period of increasing geopolitical tensions.
Her appointment was warmly welcomed by almost all Greek media, which focused on her first statements, interpreted as a sign of a new phase in Greek-American cooperation.
In an interview, she stated that she was “incredibly excited” to represent her homeland, the U.S., and “especially to do so in Greece,” while she would never forget the moment President Donald Trump offered her the position.
“All of this started with a phone call from Donald Trump.
He spoke to me about this opportunity and asked if I wanted to serve, telling me how many people were vying for this position.
But he said, if you want it, it’s yours. You don’t say no to the President.”
“It is very important, when focusing on this specific region, to understand which ally has exceeded our expectations. NATO, the European Union – many countries are members.
But who has truly done the best they could to be a strong strategic partner of the U.S.? Greece,” notes the new U.S. Ambassador.
In an interview with Vogue Greece, Guilfoyle described Greece as “the cornerstone of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean,” a statement interpreted as a clear message of strengthened U.S. interest in the region and, simultaneously, a firm stance toward Ankara.
A diplomatic and political reading of her statements sees them as a precursor to a new period of deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Guilfoyle stated that the sectors of defense, technology, and energy will constitute central axes of the bilateral agenda, highlighting Greece’s strategic importance as a reliable regional partner.
She indicated that energy projects will be a priority during her tenure, so it is no coincidence that her arrival almost coincides with the meeting of ministers of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC).
“Together, the United States and Greece strengthen peace and complement the Atlantic Alliance. America is a friend of the Greek people,” she stated.
Her arrival and statements are part of a broader “diplomatic equation” between Washington, Athens, and Brussels, which is reshaping Greece’s role as a strategic hub of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean during a period of geopolitical turbulence.
American support for Greece
Guilfoyle’s posting in Athens and her first statements have attracted strong interest from Greek media, which connect the U.S. administration’s new policy for the Eastern Mediterranean with the elevation of Greece as a central actor in regional stability.
According to sources, “with Guilfoyle, the Trump administration entrusts Greece with a leading role in regional security.”
Greek media emphasized that the new ambassador sent clear messages of support for strengthening bilateral ties and strategic cooperation within NATO and the EU.
Commentators also highlighted Guilfoyle’s close relationship with Donald Trump, noting that the ambassador will serve as the political face of the new American energy diplomacy in the region, with Athens taking a decisive role.
The Cyprus-Lebanon agreement and its implications for Turkey
Guilfoyle’s arrival in Athens almost coincides with the recent ratification of the agreement between Cyprus and Lebanon on the delimitation of maritime zones, which, according to Greek media, strengthens the position of Greece and Cyprus vis-à-vis Ankara.
Although the agreement was signed 18 years ago, its ratification by Beirut is seen as altering the regional balance, leaving Turkey isolated.
Former Rear Admiral Cihat Yaycı, theorist of the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, described the agreement as a “great risk” for Turkey, warning of possible agreements with other countries, such as Syria, that could weaken Ankara’s position in the region.
Greece’s strategy: Alliance with the U.S. and initiative in the EU
With Guilfoyle in Athens and given developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Mitsotakis government will try to strengthen its position both in Washington and Brussels, promoting its strategy to “bring Turkey to the negotiation table or leave it out,” with the initiative for the “5x5 Coastal States Forum” as the central tool of this strategy.
Guilfoyle’s messages indicate that Washington actively supports this path, confirming a new phase of Greek-American cooperation in the region, aligned with diplomatic efforts for energy.
Preparation
Earlier, the new U.S. Ambassador to Greece sent her message for the national anniversary of October 28th via her Instagram account, accompanying it with a video including footage of parades across Greece.
“Today we honor the indomitable Greek spirit and the unbreakable bond that unites our two great nations,” she stated.
Ohi Day is a timeless reminder that freedom is won through courage, not comfort.
When Greece said “NO” to tyranny, it said “YES” to faith, freedom, and human dignity.
Today, we honor the indomitable Greek spirit and the inseparable bond between our two great nations.
The secret arrival and event schedule
The new U.S. Ambassador arrives in Athens on November 1st, but no one knows the exact time.
Notably, the Hellenic Police has taken measures to restrict gatherings in central Athens on Saturday for the ambassador’s reception, which could create early tensions in Greek-American diplomacy.
Her arrival is on the private jet of Greek-American businessman Eric Vasilatos, a close friend of singer Konstantinos Argyros, with whom he organizes international tours, and before… unpacking, the events begin.
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 1st, 2025, members of the Greek-American community organize an event at Freedom Park, while the ambassador will attend the Grand Hyatt Gala, organized to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Some reports indicate that the invitation is closed to the “many” competing for access and a meeting with her.
The guest list includes only prominent figures from the political and business elite of Athens.
On Sunday, November 2nd, she will attend a private… party in her honor at the Athens Center with Konstantinos Argyros and selected guests.
On Tuesday, November 4th, at noon, Kimberly Guilfoyle will present her credentials to President Konstantinos Tasoulas.
On Wednesday, November 5th, the ambassador will meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
On the same day, she will host a reception for U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Secretary of the Interior, who are visiting Athens to sign energy agreements.
On November 6th and 7th, Kimberly Guilfoyle will participate with American officials in the 28th National Conference “Energy and Development 2024” at Zappeion.
With her mission in Athens, Kimberly Guilfoyle seems poised to bring a new era to American diplomacy in Greece – full of style, political conflicts, and a whole range of relationships and friendships touching the most powerful and controversial elements of the political and business world.
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