Trump’s ambassadors: the loyalists and allies at the center of controversy

Kimberly Guilfoyle's exit as ambassador to Greece in October, after corruption allegations, has put fresh attention on how Donald Trump has filled embassy posts in his second term. The Guardian reports that he has favored relatives, friends and loyal allies who will defend him whatever the diplomatic cost, though earlier presidents also rewarded donors with such jobs.

Guilfoyle, who took the post in November 2025, was accused of steering business toward a Greek construction and energy firm, letting lobbyists attend official meetings, and asking an ally to settle a $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing. Charles Kushner, serving in France and Monaco since July 2025, was kept out of a meeting in February after ignoring a summons; he had accused France of tolerating antisemitism. He was previously convicted of tax evasion, false statements to the Federal Election Commission and witness tampering, and Trump pardoned him in 2020.

Elsewhere, Bill White drew rebukes from Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, and more than 200,000 Canadians signed a petition seeking the expulsion of Pete Hoekstra, the ambassador to Canada.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Guardian’s reporting. Read the full story at The Guardian →