Trump Unveils Latest Slate of Picks for Key Diplomatic and Policy Roles

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a House Republicans Conference meeting at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 13, 2024. Allison Robbert/Pool/Getty Images

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Dec. 10 his latest round of selections for his administration.

He said former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle will be his nominee to be ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle dates Donald Trump Jr. and was a surrogate on Trump’s 2020 and 2024 campaigns.

“For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally. Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad,” said Trump on his social media site, Truth Social.

“Kimberly is perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation,” he said.

If confirmed, Guilfoyle would be the first female U.S. ambassador to Greece.

Moreover, Trump nominated private equity real estate investor Tom Barrack as his ambassador to Turkey.

“For three decades, Tom successfully managed a global private equity firm. He is a well respected and experienced voice of reason to a wide range of thought leaders in both political and business circles,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Barrack, a friend of Trump’s, was acquitted in 2022 on charges of being an unregistered foreign agent of the United Arab Emirates.

Additionally, Trump named former Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Bishop “will implement my cost-cutting and deregulatory agenda across all agencies, and root out the weaponized Deep State,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Bishop lost the race for North Carolina attorney general in November.

Russ Vought is Trump’s nominee to be OMB director.

Trump said Ed Martin will be OMB’s chief of staff. Martin served as chief of staff to former Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt and chairman of the Missouri Republican Party.

Trump also selected Jacob Helberg as Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment—a State Department position.

Trump said Helberg “will guide State Department policy on economic statecraft, promoting America’s economic security and growth, and American technological dominance abroad.” Helberg is a commissioner for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Additionally, Trump tapped lawyer Mark Meador as a commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Andrew Ferguson as FTC chair. Meador was previously Utah GOP Sen. Mike Lee’s deputy chief counsel for antitrust and competition policy. He worked on antitrust issues at the Department of Justice and FTC.

Finally, Trump announced Ronald Johnson as ambassador to Mexico. Johnson was ambassador to El Salvador during the first Trump administration. He also served in the CIA and the U.S. Army.

Guilfoyle, Barrack, Bishop, Helberg, Meador, and Johnson will need Senate confirmation. The Senate already confirmed Ferguson to be on the FTC, and moving a commissioner to be chairman does not require Senate approval.