Trump Shakes Up Diplomacy! Kimberly Guilfoyle, Tom Barrack, and 5 Surprising Picks for Top Ambassador Roles

On Tuesday night, President-elect Donald Trump made several high-profile announcements via his Truth Social account, including naming Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece and Tom Barrack as ambassador to Turkey.

Diplomatic Appointments: Guilfoyle and Barrack

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and Trump campaign fundraiser, is currently in a relationship with Donald Trump Jr. In his post, Trump praised Guilfoyle’s qualifications, citing her experience in law, media, and politics as key attributes for her new role. “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,” Trump wrote.

Tom Barrack, a longtime ally of Trump and the chairman of his first inaugural committee, was also tapped for a significant diplomatic role. Barrack, who was acquitted in 2022 of charges related to unregistered foreign lobbying for the United Arab Emirates, was described by Trump as a “well-respected and experienced voice of reason.” Barrack’s trial had drawn significant attention, with prosecutors accusing him of acting as an unregistered foreign agent. Despite facing allegations of conspiracy and obstruction, he was found not guilty on all charges. Barrack’s relationship with Trump has been complex. During his trial, he acknowledged that his support for Trump had been professionally challenging, even mocking Trump’s knowledge of the Middle East. Despite these tensions, Trump has reiterated his confidence in Barrack’s abilities, appointing him to represent U.S. interests in Turkey.

Key Federal Trade Commission Roles Announced

Trump also unveiled appointments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), focusing on his administration’s stance against Big Tech censorship. Andrew Ferguson was named chairman, and Mark Meador was appointed commissioner. In his announcement, Trump lauded Ferguson’s commitment to combating Big Tech and protecting free speech. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote. He emphasized Ferguson’s ability to make an immediate impact, noting his previous swearing-in as an FTC Commissioner on April 2, 2024.

Trump highlighted Ferguson’s “America First” approach and pro-innovation stance, describing him as potentially the most impactful FTC chair in the nation’s history. Mark Meador, whose credentials were praised in the announcement, was also introduced as an FTC commissioner. While the post did not elaborate extensively on Meador’s role, Trump emphasized his academic and professional achievements, aligning them with the administration’s broader goals.

Strengthening Ties and Shaping Policy

These appointments underscore Trump’s priorities for his administration, emphasizing diplomatic alliances and domestic policy shifts. Guilfoyle and Barrack’s ambassadorships aim to strengthen international relations in critical regions, while the FTC appointments reflect a commitment to curbing Big Tech influence and fostering innovation.

As Trump continues to assemble his team, these announcements signal his approach to both governance and global diplomacy, setting the tone for his administration’s trajectory.