Kimberly Guilfoyle addressed the strategic importance of U.S.-Greece relations as well as the state of Greek-Turkish ties during her Senate confirmation hearing for the post of U.S. Ambassador to Greece.

Following her statement, where she highlighted the importance of the Greek-American community and bilateral relations, she answered senators’ questions focusing on Greece–Turkey relations, the F-35 program, and the role of Russia.

She stated:
“Turkey has chosen to proceed with Russia on the S-400 missile defense systems, and this raises serious alignment issues with NATO’s strategic doctrine,” adding that “our allies must align with the needs of the Alliance.” She noted that her approach would focus on stability and strengthening strategic partnerships in the region.

Guilfoyle also addressed the critical issue of Turkey’s possible reintegration into the F-35 program, noting that the country was excluded because of its own choices.

Senator Risch stated that the Senate will continue to block the sale of F-35s to Turkey, while Guilfoyle responded that she is working closely with U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Jeff Flake and had good cooperation with former Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis.

Guilfoyle emphasized that her priority would be deepening trilateral cooperation between the U.S.–Greece–Israel and the U.S.–Greece–Cyprus. She stressed that these are “pillars of stability” in the Eastern Mediterranean. “If my nomination is confirmed, I will do everything in my power to strengthen these relationships,” she said.

She also praised Greece’s contribution to NATO, saying it ranks among the top five countries globally in meeting Alliance defense spending targets.

Her Opening Statement:

Speaking about her personal background, she mentioned her Puerto Rican mother, a special education teacher, and her father, an immigrant from Ireland, and highlighted her responsibility to carry on the values they instilled in her.

She described her nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Greece as a “singular honor,” emphasizing that Greece—the birthplace of democracy—embodies the fundamental principles of freedom, self-governance, and the rule of law. “These values resonate through the centuries and inspired the founding fathers of the American nation,” she said.

Guilfoyle praised Greece’s geopolitical importance, calling it a “pillar of stability” in a complex region, and highlighted its critical role in the NATO Alliance. She pointed out that Greece is among the top countries in defense spending within the Alliance, projecting 3% of GDP by 2025 with a target of 5%, according to commitments made in The Hague.

She referred to significant purchases of American defense equipment—F-35 fighter jets, Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, and advanced naval vessels—and stressed the importance of the joint co-production project for Constellation-class frigates, which strengthens U.S.–Greece industrial cooperation. “If confirmed, it will be a priority for me to further accelerate the modernization of Greek defense,” she stated.

Energy and Investments

Guilfoyle also highlighted the progress in energy cooperation, referencing the LNG terminal in Revithoussa and the floating FSRU unit in Alexandroupoli, which facilitate the export of American natural gas to Europe. She noted that the U.S. already covers 20% of the Greek gas market, up from just 2% five years ago.

“If my nomination is confirmed, I will work with Greece to commercially develop investments in key natural gas pipelines, such as the so-called ‘Vertical Corridor’ connecting Greece with Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Central Europe,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of Greece’s electrical interconnections with Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, which enhance regional energy security.

Kimberly Guilfoyle, a well-known journalist and legal professional, and former partner of Donald Trump Jr., was one of five ambassadorial nominees who appeared before the Senate Committee for confirmation hearings involving various countries. The session began with introductory remarks from the senators recommending each nomination, before moving on to candidate presentations and questions.

In Guilfoyle’s case, there was a small hiccup when Senator Bill Hagerty, who was scheduled to introduce her, was delayed due to a personal family matter. When he eventually arrived, he praised her credentials, describing her as “an experienced journalist, highly skilled in strategic policy and legal affairs.”

Hagerty also highlighted Guilfoyle’s close ties to the Greek-American community, noting, “This makes her an excellent choice for the post in Athens.” He added, “We’ve worked together, and from the beginning, she’s supported me in new chapters of my journey.”