Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump's ambassador to Greece, once called Greeks "freeloaders"
The announcement came as Donald Trump Jr. was spotted with socialite Bettina Anderson
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Trump Nominates Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. Ambassador to Greece
Donald Trump has nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and ex-fiancée of his son, Donald Trump Jr., as the U.S. ambassador to Greece. The nomination has sparked controversy, particularly due to her lack of diplomatic experience and resurfaced 2015 comments in which she criticized Greek citizens as “freeloaders” during the country’s debt crisis. Guilfoyle had urged Greeks to “suck it up” and work harder, comparing their situation to disciplining a misbehaving pet. While the appointment aligns with Trump’s tendency to place loyalists in key positions, it has raised eyebrows because of her controversial past, including sexual harassment allegations at Fox News and her prominent role in Trump’s campaign fundraising efforts. Additionally, the nomination has fueled rumors about her relationship with Trump Jr., as recent reports suggest he may be involved with another woman. This nomination serves multiple purposes, potentially rewarding a close ally while addressing personal dynamics within the Trump family, all while requiring Senate confirmation to proceed.
Greece Monitors Refugee Situation Amid Syrian Regime Change
Greece is closely monitoring the refugee situation in Syria, awaiting guidance from the EU regarding asylum applications from Syrians. The Greek government has temporarily suspended processing asylum requests, primarily due to concerns over the safety and stability of Syria. The focus is on the geopolitical impact, with particular attention on Turkey’s role in Syria, including its plans to resettle Syrian refugees in northern Syria as part of a strategy that may displace Kurdish populations. Greece is also wary of the treatment of minorities, particularly Greek Orthodox Christians, Alawites, Kurds, and Armenians, as well as the potential for new refugee flows. Additionally, Athens is concerned about Turkey’s attempts to form agreements with the new Syrian government that could challenge Cyprus' sovereignty and escalate regional tensions, potentially increasing instability and creating further refugee crises.
Pylos Shipwreck Investigation Uncovers Migrant Smuggling Network
An in-depth investigation by Solomon, ARIJ, El País, TAZ, and The New Humanitarian sheds light on the deadly Pylos shipwreck, revealing the operations of a North African migrant smuggling ring led by the elusive Abu Sultan, whose real name is Mohammed Saad al-Geheshi. Operating out of Tobruk, Libya, since 2017, Abu Sultan ran a network that trafficked migrants to Europe. Using social media and legitimate businesses, the ring recruited individuals and laundered money. The investigation led to arrests in Egypt, where authorities detained several key figures, including Abu Sultan’s right-hand man, revealing connections to illicit property deals. Despite multiple arrests and sentences, Abu Sultan remains at large, illustrating the challenges in prosecuting transnational smuggling operations.
Border Control Changes Between Bulgaria and Greece
Bulgaria and Greece have finalized plans to lift border controls between the two countries, effective January 1, 2025, contingent on the approval of Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen accession by EU interior ministers. The agreement follows Austria and the Netherlands lifting their vetoes after securing certain conditions, including the deployment of a joint team of 100 police officers from Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Austria at the Bulgarian-Turkish border. While random checks will still be conducted at the Bulgaria-Romania border for six months as requested by Austria, no such measures will apply to the Bulgaria-Greece border. This move represents a significant step toward full Schengen integration for Bulgaria and Romania.
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As an American who spends a lot of time in Greece, I apologize to the Greek people. trump managed to squeak by Harris and get elected, and the consequences are going to be tragic not only for America but for the entire world, as well. That trump sent Guilfoyle to Greece is an added embarrassment to Americans spending time in Greece, although it's only one of trump's many negative impacts on the world. Couldn't he have sent her to some other place to conveniently get her out of Don Jr's life? Anyplace but Greece?! Again, my apologies.