Trump to nominate Kimberly Guilfoyle for ambassador to Greece; Tilman Fertitta is likely pick for ambassador to Italy
President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday he is nominating Kimberly Guilfoyle to be U.S. ambassador to Greece, while billionaire Tilman Fertitta, owner of the NBA's Houston Rockets, was expected to be Trump's pick for U.S. ambassador to Italy, people familiar with the decision told CBS News.
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host-turned-political fundraiser, was dating Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
"For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally," Trump said in a statement. "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."
Guilfoyle's nomination would require Senate confirmation.
Guilfoyle wrote on social media following the announcement, "I'm honored to accept President Trump's nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate."
"As ambassador, I look forward to delivering on the Trump agenda, supporting our Greek allies, and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity," she added.
Guilfoyle, 55, appeared on stage with the Trump family on election night. She traveled the country to raise money for Trump's presidential campaign and spoke at the Republican convention in July.
"In our vision, America will combat foreign aggressors and ensure our service members are protected, not abandoned, as they carry out their dangerous missions abroad, because we know we can only have peace through strength," she said in the speech.
Guilfoyle, a lawyer by training, served as a prosecutor in California early in her career before turning to television. She is divorced from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Trump has a history of naming family members and people with close personal ties to key positions. He has chosen Charles Kushner, his son-in-law's father, to serve as ambassador to France, and has tapped the father-in-law of daughter Tiffany Trump to be a 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 transition officials declined to comment on the expected selection of Fertitta as U.S. ambassador to Italy.
Fertitta is a friend of Trump's and longtime GOP donor who leads Landry's Inc., a Texas-based corporation with 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 in over 15 countries, according the company's website, including the iconic Golden Nugget Casino, Morton's The Steakhouse, the Palm Restaurant and Joe's Crab Shack.
Fertitta joined Trump and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for a Starship rocket launch in Texas in November.