Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next U.S. ambassador to Greece, called Turkey’s possession of a Russian-made missile defense system a “serious concern” during her Senate confirmation hearing, while a top Republican senator reaffirmed that a block on selling advanced F-35 fighter jets to Ankara remains firmly in place.
In a key exchange during the hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ms. Guilfoyle addressed the long-standing tensions between NATO allies Greece and Turkey.
In response to a question from Senator James E. Risch, she stated that Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 system raises significant questions about its alignment with the alliance’s strategic objectives.
Senator Risch, the ranking member of the committee, then added that the U.S. Senate would continue to block the sale of F-35 warplanes to Turkey as long as the issue remains unresolved.
The Wedneday hearing, a final step before a full Senate vote on her appointment, provided the clearest picture yet of the policy priorities Ms. Guilfoyle would pursue in Athens. She repeatedly described Greece as a “pillar of stability” in a volatile region and a crucial NATO ally.
Ms. Guilfoyle praised Greece for consistently exceeding the alliance’s defense spending targets and highlighted its recent major purchases of American military hardware, including F-35 fighter jets and modern naval frigates.
She called the U.S. naval support activity at Souda Bay in Crete “strategically critical to the United States.”
She also committed to advancing the “3+1” cooperation framework between Greece, Israel, Cyprus, and the United States, particularly on energy issues, noting Greece’s growing role as an energy hub for the Eastern Mediterranean.
In her opening statement, Ms. Guilfoyle praised the contributions of the Greek-American community and the strength of Greece’s economic recovery.
If confirmed, she will replace the previous ambassador, George Tsunis.