While Kimberly Guilfoyle might be thrilled, the local sentiment tells a different story.
Guilfoyle, a prominent supporter of Trump and once a television news host, recently transitioned to her role as the United States Ambassador to Greece. However, she’s now facing a virtual backlash after she hailed the launch of a new McDonald’s in Athens as a significant diplomatic event.
The stylish diplomat eagerly shared on X her participation in the opening ceremony at The Mall Athens, touting it as the ‘most technologically advanced McDonald’s in all of Europe.’
“A thrilling day for Greece!” Guilfoyle exclaimed to her followers. “American companies investing here provide jobs and introduce American culture – along with tasty food – to the Greek populace.”
However, the birthplace of democracy responded quickly and critically, with little enthusiasm.
In Greece, where culinary traditions are deeply cherished and the Mediterranean diet is a source of national pride, the idea of a Big Mac being ‘delicious food’ was about as welcome as a cold, forgotten fry.
‘Greeks do not eat McDonald’s, it’s mainly the tourists,’ one local fired back on X. ‘We prefer domestic options or the awesome local, freshly sourced food.’
Another critic was even more blunt: ‘Jesus wept. Greece has the best fast food in the world – gyros. They don’t want that junk and calling it ‘an exciting day for Greece’ is so Trumpian.’
She might be ‘lovin’ it’ – but the locals certainly aren’t
Kimberly Guilfoyle, the Trump ally and former cable news host turned US Ambassador to Greece, has found herself in a digital pita-fire after celebrating the opening of a new McDonald’s in Athens as a monumental diplomatic achievement
The glamorous envoy took to X to boast about the ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Mall Athens, home to what she claimed is the ‘most technologically advanced McDonald’s in all of Europe’
Standing alongside Melo Hili, chief executive of Premier Capital, and Vladimir Janevski, managing director of Premier Capital Hellas, which operates McDonald’s in Greece
Beyond the culinary insult, many Greeks questioned the Ambassador’s priorities. With geopolitical tensions simmering in the Mediterranean, critics suggested that a mall food court was perhaps not the place for ‘strategic partnerships.’
‘While Turkey is passing outrageous laws over the Aegean and openly threatening to invade Greek islands, the US Ambassador is busy with the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant,’ one user pointed out.
Another sarcastically added: ‘The US Ambassador’s diplomatic schedule in Greece must be incredibly relaxed if strengthening US-Greece relations now means cutting ribbons at McDonald’s openings. Peak strategic partnership.’
A source familiar with the move tells the Daily Mail: ‘The Ambassador apparently missed the MAHA memo when she departed the US to Greece. To celebrate McDonald’s as ‘good food’ in Greece when the USA is promoting the Mediterranean diet as the key to health is a special kind of weird. Next thing you know, Fancy James (her stylist) will be unveiling a Ronald McDonald inspired wardrobe for the Ambassador.’
Despite the online roasting, the opening was a high-stakes affair for parent company Premier Capital Hellas. The new restaurant represents a 1.4 million euro investment and is expected to create 60 new jobs.
Marking the brand’s 35th anniversary in the country, the location features a unique nod to local slang: it is the only McDonald’s in Greece to feature a sign in the Greek alphabet, reading ‘ΜΑΚ’ – an affectionate nickname used by locals for decades.
The high-tech ‘burger factory’ is reportedly capable of pumping out a staggering 1,400 burgers per hour.
There are more than two dozen McDonald’s locations in Greece, with franchises operating for more than three decades.
Standing alongside Melo Hili, chief executive of Premier Capital, and Vladimir Janevski, managing director of Premier Capital Hellas, Guilfoyle remained undeterred by the ‘savaging’ online.
Nevertheless, it is clear that Guilfoyle believes she is bringing a taste of the American Dream to the Aegean
‘There are few brands in the world as distinctly American as McDonald’s, and few images as instantly recognizable as its golden arches,’ the ambassador said during the ceremony.
‘For 35 years, McDonald’s has been part of everyday Greek life, and as we see today, it continues to grow in this country. Because when American innovation meets Greek ingenuity, the result is remarkable.’
Nevertheless, it is clear that Guilfoyle believes she is bringing a taste of the American Dream to the Aegean.
A US embassy spokesperson tells the Daily Mail, ‘There is nothing controversial about the launch of a new McDonald’s franchise. The United States Mission to Greece is proud of the work we do each day to strengthen bilateral trade and investment on behalf of the American people.’
