Trump to nominate Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece; Tilman Fertitta may choose to be ambassador to Italy

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he was appointing Kimberly Guilfoyle to be the US ambassador to Greece, and billionaire Tilman Fertitta, owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, was expected to be Trump’s choice for US ambassador to Italy, people familiar with the decision told CBS. . News.

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News fundraiser turned politician, was dating Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.

“For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend,” Trump said in a statement. “His extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics and his sharp intellect make him well-qualified to represent the United States, and protect its interests abroad.”

Guilfoyle’s nomination will require Senate confirmation.

Guilfoyle wrote on social media following the announcement, “I am honored to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and look forward to receiving the support of the US Senate.”

“As ambassador, I look forward to delivering on Trump’s agenda, supporting our partners in Greece, and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity,” he added.

Guilfoyle, 55, appeared on stage with the Trump family on election night. He traveled the country to raise money for Trump’s presidential campaign and spoke at the Republican convention in July.

“In our view, America will fight against foreign invaders and ensure that our members are protected, not abandoned, as they do their dangerous work abroad, because we know that we can have peace through strength,” he said in a speech.

Guilfoyle, a lawyer by training, worked as a prosecutor in California early in his career before turning to television. Divorced from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Trump has a history of appointing family members and close associates to key positions. You have made your choice Charles Kushnerhis son-in-law’s father, to work as an ambassador in France, and he has contacted this He was giving birth to them of daughter Tiffany Trump to be Middle East adviser.

Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kusher, were senior White House officials during Trump’s first term.

Meanwhile, Trump’s transition officials declined to comment on the expected selection of Fertitta as US ambassador to Italy.

Fertitta is a Trump friend and longtime GOP donor who heads Landry’s Inc., a Texas-based conglomerate that owns hotels, restaurants and casinos. He starred in a reality TV show on CNBC called “Billion Dollar Buyer” and owns more than 600 properties in 36 states and more than 15 countries, according to the company’s website, including the iconic Golden Nugget Casino, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Palm Restaurant and Joe’s Crab Shack.

Fertitta joined Trump and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at the Starship rocket launch in Texas in November.

Arden Farhi contributed to this report.