Statement of Kimberly Guilfoyle nominee to the U.S. Ambassador to Greece at the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

This is the statement of Kimberly Guilfoyle nominee to the U.S. Ambassador to Greece at the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on July 9, 2025.

Chairman Hagerty and esteemed Members of this committee, it is with a profound sense of honor and deep humility that I appear before you today as President Trump’s nominee to serve as the United States Ambassador to Greece. I extend my sincerest gratitude to the President for his faith in my abilities and to Secretary Rubio for their collective trust and confidence placed in me. I also thank this committee for the opportunity to be here and for your careful consideration of my nomination.

Grecian Delight supports Greece

I also want to thank my closest family and friends for their support and encouragement throughout this process. I want to offer special thanks and love to my son Ronan, my brother Tony Guilfoyle, and Donnie for their steadfast support. I also want to thank my parents who would be so proud to see me here today. 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. Now, I consider it my duty to carry on the mission and the values that they instilled in me.

Guilfoyle: Considered for a post in Greece is a uniquely humbling honor
To be nominated to represent the United States is a great privilege. And to be considered for a post in Greece, the very birthplace of democracy, is a uniquely humbling honor. 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.

This profound legacy, which has greatly influenced the world and the formation of our own republic, resonates with my own lifelong dedication to public service and the unwavering pursuit of a more just and prosperous world through strong international partnerships.

My career path has been defined by a steadfast commitment to advocacy and public engagement. As a prosecutor in the demanding environments of both San Francisco and Los Angeles, I was entrusted to be a voice for those who could not speak for themselves and to uphold the foundational principles of our legal system. This experience honed the skills of careful negotiation, clear-eyed analysis, and the pursuit of truth—qualities I believe are indispensable to effective diplomacy.

Subsequently, my decades in the media as a legal analyst and television host provided me with a platform to elevate critical issues, spotlight injustice, and champion truth, on a wide-range of priorities and for audiences across the globe. These endeavors, coupled with my active engagement in public advocacy and the political arena, including during my service as first lady of San Francisco, have provided me with a keen and timely understanding of international relations and an unshakeable belief in the power of robust alliances to advance our shared interests and values.

If confirmed, I pledge to bring the full measure of this experience to bear in Athens. I am prepared to be a tireless advocate for American interests, a steadfast partner to our Greek allies, and a proud representative of the President and the American people.

Greece: A pillar of stability

Over the past several decades, Greece has evolved to be a pillar of stability in a complex region. And its commitment to our shared security within the NATO Alliance matters more than ever.

Consistently ranking among the top spending Allies, Greece is projected to continue dedicating 3 percent of its GDP to defense in 2025 and is on a trajectory to reach 5 percent, in line with the Alliance’s commitment at the Hague. This is not merely a matter of statistics. It is a tangible investment in our collective security.

Furthermore, a substantial portion of this expenditure has been directed toward the acquisition of cutting-edge U.S. defense technology, including the formidable F-35 fighter jets, advanced Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, and modern naval vessels.

Additionally, the proposed joint project to co-produce Constellation-class naval frigates demonstrates Greece’s long-term commitment to our strategic defense partnership. These modernization efforts enhance Greece’s significant military capabilities, strengthen the eastern flank of our NATO Alliance, and create valuable opportunities for American industry.

If confirmed, I will make it a top priority to further accelerate Greece’s defense modernization by fostering even greater cooperation and synergy between our defense sectors.

Kimberly Guilfoyle on energy investments in Greece

The United States and Greece have made tremendous progress on energy cooperation. Greece’s Revithoussa LNG terminal and the construction of the Alexandroupoli floating storage regassification unit is allowing the U.S. to export more gas to Europe. While U.S. natural gas now accounts for 20 percent of gas in Greece, up from 2 percent five years ago, there are huge opportunities to sell more U.S. energy to Greece and its neighbors.

If confirmed, I will work with Greece to help commercialize investments to key gas pipelines including the socalled “Vertical Corridor” between Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Central Europe, so that Greece can become a hub of U.S. gas for the region.

I will also encourage Greece’s progress on constructing electricity interconnectors with its neighbors including Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, which contribute to regional energy diversification and security.

Economic opportunity remains a central pillar of the robust U.S.-Greece relationship. If confirmed, I will serve as a proactive and strategic partner in advancing U.S. trade and investment interests—building on successful efforts to expand opportunities for American firms across key sectors including defense, energy, shipping, infrastructure, technology, AI, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and agriculture.

I will also actively pursue pathways to encourage and facilitate Greek investment in the United States, fostering a more balanced, resilient, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Ultimately, the enduring strength of the U.S.-Greece relationship is built upon the solid 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, and the bonds of culture, family, and shared heritage between our countries run deep.

I am also deeply committed to championing religious freedom —an essential pillar of democratic societies and a core value we share with our Greek allies. If confirmed, I look forward to engaging with and supporting the vital work of Greek cultural and educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, municipalities, and individual citizens.

I am committed to working alongside the diaspora to further strengthen these essential human connections that bind our nations in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.

Thank you once again for the honor of appearing before you today. I am prepared to answer your questions.