Greece continues to await the arrival of its next American Ambassador, Kimberly Guilfoyle, whose nomination by President Trump last December has yet to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The delay has left the U.S. Embassy in Athens without an Ambassador for the past five months, following the departure of George Tsunis on January 20, 2025, the day of Trump’s inauguration.
Despite Guilfoyle’s apparent enthusiasm for the role, no date has been set for her confirmation hearing in Congress, fueling media speculation about the future of her appointment. This stands in contrast to other key ambassadorial nominations, such as Thomas J. Barrack, who officially assumed his duties as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey in May 2025.
However, a diplomatic source in Washington, speaking to Hellas Journal, indicated that Guilfoyle is expected to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee “soon,” with her appointment anticipated to be approved by the full Senate thereafter. Following confirmation, she is expected to travel promptly to Athens.
Conflicting reports suggest that her name may not have been formally submitted to the Senate for confirmation, potentially pushing her earliest assumption of duties to the fall. This would create a significant gap in leadership at the embassy between Tsunis’s departure and Guilfoyle’s eventual arrival.
Greek government officials commented on the reports about Kimberly Guilfoyle’s apparent delay in coming to Athens. “The Greek side has not received any information about a change in the person who will be proposed as US ambassador to Athens,” they noted.
They also reminded that the approval process for US ambassadors abroad is also pending for other candidates, especially for important embassies.
The same officials meaningfully emphasized: “Of course, the selection of a person for an embassy is a sovereign right of every state.”
Greece “looks forward” to Guilfoyle’s arrival
Last month, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told Breitbart News “We are looking forward to having her confirmed.”
“I am looking forward to meeting her as soon as she comes to Greece. I think she will find that Greek-American relations are at an all-time high, so she is essentially coming at a time when we have a very strong relationship, which we can further improve,” he added.
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality, was selected by Donald Trump in December 2024 to serve as US Ambassador to Athens.
“For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally. Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics, along with her sharp intellect, make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad,” Trump said.
“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,” he added.
In a statement following the announcement, Guilfoyle said she was honored to accept the appointment.
“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,” Guilfoyle said on X.
Since then, Guilfoyle has appeared in some Greek-American functions, including the Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House with Trump. Guilfoyle shared footage of her March 24 speech to her social networks with one caption stating, “Today, we celebrate and cherish our rich history and ensuring bond, the United States and Greece.”
In May, the former Fox News host posted that she was one step closer to living the Greek ambassador life — she recently graduated from “ambassador school.”
Christos Marafatsos, Chairman of Greek Americans for Trump, told Hellas Journal that Guilfoyle “brings unparalleled strength, clarity, and a deep personal commitment to U.S.-Greece relations. Upon confirmation, she will not only serve with distinction — she will be the most significant ambassador to ever hold the position.
“The Greek-American community stands proudly by her side, knowing that she will elevate our historic alliance to new heights, rooted in opportunity and shared values.”