Antigoni “Anna” Papakirk
Hellenic News of America
WASHINGTON D.C. — On July 9, 2025, Kimberly Guilfoyle testified before the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee as President Donald Trump’s nominee for the United States Ambassador to Greece.
Former prosecutor and television news personality, Guilfoyle was nominated for the role by President Trump on December 10, 2024, and had her confirmation hearing on July 9. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) introduced her to the committee, and she followed with an opening statement, which she began by expressing gratitude to those who had helped her get to this moment: President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and her friends and family. In thanking her family for their support and encouragement, she gave a special acknowledgement to her parents, both immigrants to the US.
“My mother, Mercedes, was a special education teacher from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. My father, an immigrant from Ireland, came to this nation in pursuit of the American dream, and now I consider it my duty to carry on the mission and the values that they instilled in me,” she said, highlighting an experience shared by many members of the Greek-American community.
Drawing upon the shared history and values of the US and Greece, Guilfoyle highlighted that “to be considered for a post in Greece, the very birthplace of democracy, is a uniquely humbling honor,” and she underscored the influence that Greek ideals have played throughout US history.
“The ideals of liberty, self-governance, and the rule of law that were born in Ancient Athens have echoed through the centuries, inspiring generations of thinkers and leaders, including our own nation’s founders,” she added.
In the rest of her opening, Guilfoyle emphasized the strong and robust bilateral relationship between the US and Greece while also addressing her priorities as ambassador, which included committing to defense, security, energy and economic cooperation. A noteworthy part of this introduction was her recognition of the Greek-American community.
“Ultimately, the enduring strength of the US-Greece relationship is built upon the bedrock of our people-to-people ties. The vibrant Greek-American and Greek-Orthodox community has made immeasurable contributions to the fabric of our nation,” she noted. “And the bonds of culture, family and shared heritage between our countries run deep.”
This sentiment was later echoed by Chairman James Risch (R-ID), who added, “your comments about the Greek community here in the United States couldn’t be more right on. What a great community of people supporting Americana and Americana issues.”
As the hearing proceeded, the issues of security and defense took center stage. Given Greece’s strategic location, these issues are critical in the US-Greece alliance and relationship. The major focal points in these areas are the 3+1 cooperation, a security dialogue between Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States, as well as the military bases at Souda Bay and Alexandroupoli.
When asked about her thoughts on the 3+1 framework, Guilfoyle responded, “I believe firmly, if confirmed as Ambassador to Greece, that I will work tirelessly to make sure that Greece national security interests and our strategic allies in that partnership remain very strong and robust, working in concert and conjunction with the United States of America because national security in those areas and those countries directly equates with national security for the United States of America.”
In addition to security and defense, the related issue of energy cooperation was discussed at length. Alexandroupoli and another key location, Revithoussa, will provide opportunities for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, decreasing European dependence on Russian energy and allowing for more US energy exports.
Concluding the hearing was conversation surrounding Greece-Turkey relations. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), who is “really excited about the US-Greece relationship and the promise and the possibilities” also made clear that he has “a lot of concerns of the Greece-Turkey tensions.” Turkey, a member of NATO, has bought and paid for F-35 fighter aircrafts from the United States, yet the US is wary of Turkey’s intentions because Greece and Turkey are in the midst of territorial disputes.
To address and mitigate the issues, Guilfoyle plans to work closely with US Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barrack, and former US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis.
“I do enjoy a very close relationship with Ambassador Barrack… and I have a very close relationship with Ambassador George Tsunis,” she said. “So I do think this will be pivotal to making sure that we are ready and able to exceed expectations on day one. I look forward to working with Ambassador Barrack on this tough issue in addition to following the direction of the President of the United States.”
The exact date of her assumption of duties has yet to be solidified, but what is evident from this hearing is that an active agenda lies ahead.
Courtesy of Forbes Breaking News YouTube Channel for providing access to footage of the confirmation hearing. The full video can be found with this link:
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