During her Senate confirmation hearing for the post of US Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle delivered a wide-ranging and impassioned statement, outlining her priorities, professional background, and strong commitment to the strategic partnerships the United States maintains in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Opening her remarks with gratitude to her family and close supporters, Guilfoyle said:
“To be nominated to represent the United States is truly a great privilege — and to be considered for a post in Greece, the very birthplace of democracy, is a uniquely humbling honour.”
She paid tribute to her parents — her mother, a special education teacher from Puerto Rico, and her father, an Irish immigrant who pursued the American dream — a legacy she pledged to uphold.
A career rooted in advocacy and public service
Guilfoyle reflected on her background as a prosecutor in San Francisco and Los Angeles, where she sought justice for the vulnerable:
“This experience honed the skills of careful negotiation, clear-eyed analysis and the pursuit of truth — qualities I believe are indispensable to effective diplomacy.”
She also discussed her years in media as a legal analyst and presenter, advocating for truth and public awareness across diverse audiences. Her involvement in public service, including as First Lady of San Francisco and her engagement in national political life, has given her, she said, “a timely understanding of international relations” and “an unshakable belief in the power of robust alliances.”
If confirmed, she stated, she would serve as:
“A tireless advocate for American interests, a steadfast partner for our Greek allies, and a proud and loyal representative of the President and the American people.”
Security and defence: Strengthening strategic ties
Praising Greece as a “pillar of stability in a complex region,” Guilfoyle highlighted the country’s unwavering commitment to NATO, with defence spending projected to reach 3% of its GDP in alignment with alliance goals set at The Hague.
She outlined Greece’s recent investments in cutting-edge US defence technology — including F35 fighter jets, Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, and naval assets — as concrete examples of this enduring partnership.
“If confirmed, I will make it a top priority to further accelerate Greece’s defence modernisation by fostering even greater cooperation and synergy between our defence sectors.”
Energy cooperation and regional integration
On energy, Guilfoyle spoke of Greece’s growing role in diversifying European energy supplies:
“US natural gas now accounts for 20% of gas in Greece, up from just 2% five years ago.”
She expressed support for expanding the vertical energy corridor through Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Central Europe in order for Greece to become a hub of US gas in the region. She also highlighted electricity interconnections between Greece and its regional neighbours — Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt — as key infrastructure for energy diversification and security.
“I will also encourage Greece’s progress on constructing electricity interconnections and its neighbours including Cyprus, Israel and Egypt, which contribute to regional energy diversification and security.”
Trade, investment, and innovation
Describing economic opportunity as an “essential pillar” of the U.S.–Greece relationship, Guilfoyle pledged to support American businesses in areas such as defence, energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and tourism. She also committed to encouraging Greek investment in the United States:
“If confirmed, I will serve as a proactive and strategic partner in advancing U.S. trade and investment interests… fostering a more balanced, resilient, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.”
Cultural diplomacy and religious freedom
Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people ties, Guilfoyle praised the Greek American and Greek Orthodox communities for their immeasurable contributions to the fabric of US society.
“I am deeply committed to championing religious freedom — an essential pillar of all democratic societies and a core value we share with our Greek allies.”
She vowed to support cultural, educational, and civil society institutions, engage closely with municipalities and NGOs, and work alongside the Greek diaspora to nurture the “essential human connections” between the two nations.
Guilfoyle concluded her speech by thanking everyone for the honour of appearing before them.
Watch her full speech below:
.@kimguilfoyle opening statement in hearing on Greek ambassador nomination: "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." pic.twitter.com/xbyZWF5H2b
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 9, 2025
Also read: Fidias Tatar podcast reignites outrage over occupied north
Featured photo source: New York Times
