President Donald Trump declined to visit Greece this week, a move that has embarrassed U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, who had reportedly assured Greek officials that he would make the trip, according to a report from The Daily Mail. The snub has left Greek diplomats disappointed and has cast doubt on Guilfoyle's standing as a close ally of the Trump family.
Guilfoyle, the former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., had told Greek contacts that Trump would stop in Athens on his return from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. However, Trump bypassed the Mediterranean nation entirely, despite having no public events scheduled from Friday through Sunday. The decision has fueled speculation that Guilfoyle's influence over U.S. foreign policy has waned significantly.
«Her selling of access is just not bought anymore,» a source told The Daily Mail, highlighting growing concerns in Athens that her promises of influence have fallen short. The report noted that Guilfoyle had urged Trump to visit Greece in an effort to restore her image, which has struggled to gain traction since her appointment.
Guilfoyle's tenure as ambassador has been marked by controversy. In 2015, while working as a Fox News host, she described Greeks as «freeloaders» and accused them of retiring too early, saying, «It doesn't matter if you made great yogurt. I don't care.» These comments have lingered, complicating her diplomatic efforts.
Insiders have warned that Guilfoyle's role was not intended for leisure. Soon after her appointment, sources cautioned that the «Margarita Girl» — a nickname given by a former Fox colleague due to her fondness for cocktails — needed to be on her best behavior. Despite such warnings, Guilfoyle has been photographed enjoying Champagne at a beach club on Mykonos with the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium and his husband, and later attending Paris Fashion Week in a nearly-nude crystal-adorned dress.
While Guilfoyle has successfully secured visits from lower-ranking Trump administration officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, she has been unable to attract the president himself. The absence of a presidential visit has undermined her credibility in Athens, where diplomats had hoped for a stronger U.S. presence.
The snub comes amid broader questions about the effectiveness of Trump's diplomatic appointments. Guilfoyle, a former prosecutor and television personality, was named ambassador to Greece in 2024, a role that critics argued was a reward for her loyalty to the Trump family rather than a reflection of her qualifications. Her performance has been scrutinized, with some questioning whether she has the diplomatic skills needed for the post.
Greek officials had been optimistic about Trump's potential visit, viewing it as a sign of strengthened bilateral ties. The United States and Greece have cooperated on issues ranging from energy security to regional stability, and a presidential visit would have underscored that partnership. Instead, the no-show has left a sense of disillusionment among Greek diplomats, who now question the reliability of U.S. commitments.
Guilfoyle's relationship with the Trump family has been a key asset, but its value appears to be diminishing. Her engagement to Donald Trump Jr. ended in 2024, and while she remains a vocal supporter of the president, her ability to leverage that connection for diplomatic gains is increasingly in doubt. The report from The Daily Mail suggests that her influence within the administration is fading, a development that could have long-term implications for U.S.-Greece relations.
Despite the setback, Guilfoyle has continued to engage in high-profile social activities, attending fashion events and socializing with other diplomats. However, these appearances have done little to bolster her standing in Athens, where the focus remains on substantive diplomatic achievements. The failure to secure a presidential visit is a significant blow, and it remains to be seen how she will recover from this embarrassment.
The incident also highlights the challenges of diplomatic appointments based on personal connections rather than professional experience. Guilfoyle's background in media and law did not prepare her for the complexities of international diplomacy, and her tenure has been marked by a series of missteps. The Trump administration has defended her appointment, but the lack of a presidential visit suggests that even the president may be distancing himself from her.
As the situation unfolds, Greek officials are likely to reassess their expectations for U.S. engagement. The disappointment in Athens is palpable, and the incident may strain relations between the two countries. For Guilfoyle, the path forward is uncertain, as her credibility has been severely damaged by Trump's no-show.
