The departure of Kimberly Guilfoyle as US ambassador to Greece has renewed scrutiny of the president’s picks for diplomatic posts, ranging from an election denier to a former auctioneer. Donald Trump has appointed family members, friends, and loyal political allies to represent the US on the world stage, dispatching characters to embassies across the world during his second term.
While presidents of both parties have long rewarded donors and allies with plum ambassadorships, Trump has chosen loyalists willing to go to bat for him regardless of the implications for US-foreign relationships. Guilfoyle was made ambassador to Greece shortly after the end of her engagement to Donald Trump Jr, the president’s son.
Guilfoyle is just the latest Trump-era ambassador to become embroiled in scandal and face resistance. Another individual is a former attorney and real estate developer, as well as a Trump donor.