Kimberly Guilfoyle, the glamorous ex–fiance to the president’s son and firebrand MAGA loyalist, initially lobbied to be the ambassador to the Vatican before settling for her comfy post in Greece, four sources familiar with the matter exclusively tell the Daily Mail.
President Trump shut down the idea of the Vatican immediately, with one source describing it as ‘a non–starter.’
Greece, a sun–soaked vacation destination steeped in ancient history and democracy, situated across from Italy and hundreds of miles from the Vatican,was seen as a compromise.
The sources close to the president say Sergio Gor, the former director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office and a close ally of Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr., played a key role behind the scenes in pushing her for a diplomatic post.
Guilfoyle was not on the transition team’s final shortlist for Greece before Gor ‘worked quickly’ to insert her name as an alternative. Gor is now Trump’s ambassador to India.
‘It came out of left field. There was no way they were going to give her the Vatican. It wouldn’t be a fit, for many reasons. She must have known that,’ one diplomatic source close to the conversation told the Daily Mail.
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host, is Catholic herself, but insiders say her public persona and background would likely have raised eyebrows among Vatican officials.
Known for her fiery rhetoric and attention–grabbing aesthetic, Guilfoyle is often portrayed in the media as a bold personality rather than a traditional diplomat.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, the glamorous ex–fiance to the president’s son and firebrand MAGA loyalist, initially lobbied to be the ambassador to the Vatican before settling for her comfy post in Greece, four sources familiar with the matter exclusively tell the Daily Mail
Greece, a sun–soaked vacation destination steeped in ancient history and democracy, situated across the Ionian Sea from Italy and hundreds of miles from the Vatican, was seen as a compromise
Guilfoyle was not on the transition team’s final shortlist for Greece before Gor ‘worked quickly’ to insert her name as an alternative
‘There was no way they were going to give her the Vatican. It wouldn’t be a fit, for many reasons. She must have known that,’ one diplomatic source close to the conversation told the Daily Mail
The ambassadorship to the Holy See is considered one of the most prestigious postings, typically reserved for career diplomats or individuals with deep ties to the Catholic Church. The current US ambassador, Brian Burch, was confirmed in 2025. He succeeded Joe Donnelly, who served from 2022 to 2024
Sources familiar with conversations at the White House and State Department say Guilfoyle’s appointment was seen by most as ‘unconventional, if not controversial,’ in such a religiously and culturally sensitive setting.
A source close to Guilfoyle said she never pursued the Vatican ambassadorship and added she is ‘very excited to be the first female ambassador to Greece… in great spirits, and even joking about brushing up on her Greek dancing skills.’
Guilfoyle wore a glimmering statement outfit, dazzling in an all–white pant suit, as she was sworn as ambassador to Greece late September, Daily Mail reported exclusively.
The ambassadorship to the Holy See is considered one of the most prestigious postings, typically reserved for career diplomats or individuals with deep ties to the Catholic Church. The current US ambassador, Brian Burch, was confirmed in 2025. He succeeded Joe Donnelly, who served from 2022 to 2024.
Callista Gingrich, wife of former Speaker Newt Gingrich, served as Trump’s ambassador to the Holy See during his first term.
Greece, on the other hand, has emerged as a favored spot among political allies. It’s a high–ranking post with significant diplomatic visibility, particularly in the context of US –NATO relations and tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
‘She is better off in Athens, not Rome — but it’s still a plum assignment,’ one former administration official noted.
Gor and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.
‘She is better off in Athens, not Rome — but it’s still a plum assignment,’ one former administration official noted
Guilfoyle, before her relationship with Don Jr., was married for five years to Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom while he was mayor of San Francisco
Guilfoyle is expected to arrive in Greece and move into the official Ambassador’s residence before the end of October
Guilfoyle is expected to arrive in Greece and move into the official Ambassador’s residence before the end of October.
She is succeeding Ambassador George Tsunis.
Before her relationship with Don Jr., Guilfoyle was married for five years to California Gov. Gavin Newsom while he was mayor of San Francisco.
She also spent 12 years at Fox News where for seven of those years she was co–host of the evening panel show The Five.
Even though she signed a long–term contract extension in mid–2017, Guilfoyle abruptly left the network a year later and began working for the pro–Trump America First super PAC.
During the short confirmation hearing on July 9, Guilfoyle faced just a handful of questions from senators related to Greece’s relationship with the US, Israel, Cyprus and the rise in tensions with Turkey.
‘This is total fake news from a tabloid publication that has a track record of writing baseless stories,’ said Taylor Rogers. ‘Ambassador Guilfoyle wanted to serve as Ambassador to Greece since the President was elected.’
