Staff ReportsDonald Trump has kicked off his upcoming presidency with a bang, announcing the appointments of Kimberly Guilfoyle and Tom Barrack as ambassadors to Greece and Turkey, respectively. The news came through his Truth Social account, which has become the digital equivalent of Trump’s own personal town hall. It appears that Trump isn’t just making appointments; he’s stacking the deck with seasoned allies, much to the delight of his supporters.
In the case of Guilfoyle, her background as a Fox News anchor and a prominent fundraiser for Trump makes her more than just a friend of the family. Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle’s close relationship is well-known, and with Trump giving a hearty endorsement based on her extensive experience in law, media, and politics, it’s clear he believes she is well-equipped for the job. Trump claimed she is perfectly suited to create strong ties with Greece, focusing on everything from defense to trade. If nothing else, those in Greece will at least know they’ll be getting one heck of a diplomat with a no-nonsense approach.
"He has a plan, he has a reason, he has an overwhelming vote from the people to do what it is he thinks is right. Let's all get behind him for a moment," says Tom Barrack on Trump's recent appointees. "Retribution is not what he's interested in, he's interested in vindication." pic.twitter.com/I2KuC5e3D7
— Squawk Box (@SquawkCNBC) November 14, 2024
As for Tom Barrack, he has been in Trump’s inner circle for years and faced legal woes that many would argue were more about political games than actual crimes. After being cleared of federal charges related to foreign lobbying, Trump was quick to applaud Barrack’s acquittal, as it was a win not just for Barrack, but also for what they both call “Freedom” and “Democracy.” Some might say that Barrack’s rocky past with the legal system makes him an unexpected choice for ambassador, but in the world of Trump, that kind of history just adds character.
Interestingly enough, during his own trial, Barrack didn’t hold back on critiquing Trump’s grasp of Middle Eastern affairs, claiming that supporting Trump had turned out to be “disastrous” for his own career. But now, apparently that voice of reason has been polished up and sent off to Turkey, presumably to mend any fences that might have been broken during those contentious years. If Barrack has learned anything, it’s that sometimes humor can be a vital tool in diplomacy, especially when discussing complex international relations.
In addition to these controversial yet intriguing appointments, Trump also announced new leadership for the Federal Trade Commission, including Mark Meador and Andrew Ferguson. Ferguson, in particular, has drawn Trump’s praise for his commitment to free speech and standing against Big Tech censorship. Trump painted Ferguson as potentially the most “America First” commissioner in history, which surely raises eyebrows among those in the establishment who have made it their life mission to choke off conservative voices online.
It’s clear that Trump’s game plan for his administration includes surrounding himself with loyalists who share his vision and are ready to combat the liberal agenda at every turn. With appointments like Guilfoyle and Barrack, Trump appears intent to put familiar faces in places of power. While the media might spin this as nepotism or favoritism, conservatives are likely to see it as a smart strategy to ensure America’s interests are being fiercely protected on the global stage. The early shifts signal that the incoming administration is not just about policy; it’s about establishing a fortress of loyal allies ready to take on any challenges that come their way.
