With a clear goal: to promote Donald Trump’s energy deals and replace "every molecule of Russian gas" circulating in Europe with American LNG, US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle has set up shop in Athens.
Guilfoyle is closing one deal after another, has stated that she wants to bring Donald Trump to Greece, and even have him deliver a speech at the Acropolis. "If you buy LNG from us, I'll call you back. Otherwise, you're off the guest list," she warned politicians and business people during a recent dinner.
At the same time, she opened a front against China, calling it "unfortunate" that China owns the port of Piraeus, putting the scenario of a sale on the table, while plans for a new port in Elefsina, with American support, are proceeding with fast-track procedures.
The "freeloader" Greeks
"A former Fox News host and prosecutor, who was married to California Governor Gavin Newsom and dated Donald Trump Jr., Guilfoyle has captivated the Greek capital with stunning television appearances and blatant diplomatic displays of power," comments Politico in a related article, noting that her appointment as Ambassador to Greece surprised even Republicans. This, however, has not prevented lifestyle shows from analyzing her appearances and clothing, nor politicians and business people from rushing to be photographed next to her during her diplomatic outings.
However, in 2015, when she was a journalist, she had characterized the Greeks as "freeloaders" who should be punished like "a dog that pees on the carpet."
The viral quote at the meeting with Tasoulas
Her first official meeting, the presentation of her credentials to the President of the Republic Constantine Tasoulas, quickly went viral after she recounted how she discovered Greece during her honeymoon. "The honeymoon was wonderful, but the marriage?" Tasoulas quipped jokingly. "We will work to find a new husband," she replied.
Official social events have barely stopped. Usually accompanied by her son Ronan, her stylist Fancy James, or her close associate Cassidy Kofoed, the Ambassador has already been honored with a medal from the Municipality of Hydra and has been appointed honorary president of the Propeller Club Port of Piraeus. At the same time, business organizations are constantly organizing receptions in her honor, while cameras follow her from basketball games, where she sits next to team owners, to fashion shows.
Deals
The social storm is accompanied by intense substantive activity: Guilfoyle is using her power as Ambassador for a series of agreements between Washington and Athens.
In her very first week in office, Greece signed an agreement with the American company ExxonMobil to begin offshore drilling, the first such venture in over 40 years, in the presence of US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a move that sees Athens deviating from EU plans for action against climate change.
A few days later, Athens and Kyiv reached an agreement for the import of American liquefied natural gas (LNG), so that Ukraine could cover its winter needs, making Greece the first EU country to directly participate in Washington’s effort to replace "every molecule of Russian gas" with American LNG. The agreement was signed during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Guilfoyle attended and stood between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Zelensky for the official photo, underscoring the American role in the decision.
She made her priorities even clearer at an embassy dinner with politicians and business people: "If you buy LNG from us, I'll call you back. Otherwise, you’re off the guest list."
The front with China
She provoked the wrath of China in her first interview, where she called it "unfortunate" that China owns the port of Piraeus and implied that the issue could be "settled," hinting at a potential sale.
Beijing responded by calling the statements "malicious slander" and "serious interference in Greece’s internal affairs." "The investment is a model of mutual cooperation, not geopolitical influence," said Chinese Ambassador Fang Qiu.
Shortly after the dispute, Athens accelerated plans for a new port in Elefsina with American support, a project that was discussed in a meeting between Guilfoyle and Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos and approved in an express procedure by Parliament without a tender.
She wants to bring Trump to Athens
Guilfoyle has stated that she would like to see US President Donald Trump visit Athens. "Oh, of course, we would all like that, wouldn't we?" she said in an interview on Greek television. "To have [Trump] give a speech at the Acropolis. I hope he comes, I will ask him."
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