The U.S. State Department is formally moving forward with the nomination of Kimberly Guilfoyle as the next American ambassador to Greece, undercutting widespread media speculation that she had declined the post.
In a move that clarifies the administration's intent, the State Department last week issued an official “Certificate of Competency” for the nomination, a standard step preceding a confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate.
The action follows months of uncertainty and reports in both U.S. and Greek outlets claiming Ms. Guilfoyle, a former television host and senior advisor to President Donald Trump, had turned down the role.
The Greek Foreign Ministry said this week that it has not been notified of any change in the ambassadorial post and continues to await the conclusion of the official U.S. confirmation process. Diplomatic officials in Athens noted that the choice of an ambassador is a sovereign matter for the sending country.
President Trump floated Ms. Guilfoyle's name for the high-profile Athens post last December to replace the previous ambassador, George Tsunis.
The nomination was met with public enthusiasm from Ms. Guilfoyle, who in March posted about her “honor and humility” at the prospect of strengthening U.S.-Greece ties following a White House celebration for Greek Independence Day.
Recent reports indicate Ms. Guilfoyle has been actively preparing for the role, undergoing diplomatic training in Washington and meeting with members of the Greek-American community.
Her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected in the coming weeks.
Until a new ambassador is confirmed and in place, the U.S. Embassy in Athens is being led by a Chargé d’affaires.