Thursday turned into a familial gathering in the East Room as Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is nearly part of the Trump family, made a notable appearance at the White House to mark Greek Independence Day. President Donald Trump ensured she was in the spotlight, giving her a warm introduction and inviting her to join him at the podium. “Kimberly, Kimberly… that’s my affectionate nickname for her. I hope you’ll be back here in, what’s the term, 12 years?” Trump quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience. The 57-year-old Ambassador to Greece chose a sophisticated look for the occasion, wearing a simple black dress accented with a silver chain belt, complemented by her signature diamond cross necklace.

In the crowd, her son Ronan Anthony Villency was seen supporting her before she joined the President on stage. Also mingling among the distinguished guests was Kellyanne Conway, a long-time confidante of Trump. This annual event, set in the storied East Room, is a key fixture in the diplomatic calendar, celebrating the strong ties between the United States and Greece. Trump took the opportunity to honor the Greek-American community, addressing a gathering that included prominent diplomats, business leaders, and religious figures. Notable Greek-Americans present included Christos Marafatsos, chairman of Greeks for Trump, Mike Manatos, Executive Director of The Hellenic Initiative, diplomat Patrick Theros, and billionaire John Catsimatidis. In his formal address, Trump drew historical connections between the two nations: “As America approaches 250 years of independence, we find inspiration in the Greek people’s determination to maintain their sovereignty and uphold self-governance,” he remarked.

Festivities extended beyond the White House as the political elite planned to continue the celebration at Balos, an upscale Greek restaurant in Washington, DC, where Guilfoyle was reportedly the guest of honor. Earlier in February, the Daily Mail reported that Guilfoyle had visited Washington, hoping President Trump would support her efforts to gain influence in Greece. Guilfoyle, the former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., has held the ambassadorial post since September but apparently faces challenges in winning over Athens’ influential circles. “She made an impact upon her arrival, both positively and negatively, but now the initial excitement has faded. The question is, what can she achieve for Greece? Is she all talk, or will she take action?” a political analyst in Greece told the Daily Mail. Consequently, Guilfoyle was reportedly seen in the Oval Office conferring with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month before this second visit.

According to two sources, the first female Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic went straight to the top, pushing Trump to commit to a high-profile visit to Greece in a bid to help her restore her image – and remind the local power players of her direct line to the White House. Some critical media outlets and even Greek politicians have grumbled that Guilfoyle’s focus since taking up the diplomatic post has been more on high-society events and gala appearances than on granular policy negotiations. ‘The US-Greece relationship in general has been like “The Love Boat.” [Guilfoyle] has been part of it, but she is no more than Julie, the social director,’ said a source familiar with the inner workings of the embassy, referencing the event organizer played by actress Lauren Tewes in the hit 1970s sitcom about life onboard a cruise ship. ‘She is putting on great parties, sure, but she is taking credit for things that were in the final stages before she even got nominated,’ the source added. One example insiders point to is the recent Offshore Concession Agreements between Greece and a consortium led by US oil company Chevron, giving it exclusive rights for gas exploration off the southern Greek coast.

While Guilfoyle championed the February ceremonial signing at Maximos Mansion – home to the Greek Prime Minister – the agreement had reportedly been launched and effectively finalized long before she was even nominated as ambassador. Some concerns have also been raised locally over whether the strength of her policy influence with Trump has fallen behind that of Tom Barrack, the ambassador of neighboring Turkey. ‘She is better than Barrack at photo-op diplomacy, but he is racking up policy wins. Over the last 10 years, Greeks thought they had an advantage when it came to the US ambassador in Athens compared to the ambassador to Turkey, and now they feel like they don’t,’ the source familiar with the inner workings of the Greek embassy said. That said, ‘her greatest accomplishment has been getting high-level eyes on Greece,’ the source added.

Indeed, several top Trump officials who have already visited Guilfoyle including Secretaries Doug Burgum, Chris Wright, and soon, perhaps even Marco Rubio. But it is a Greek visit from Trump that Guilfoyle is still desperate to secure . ‘There is a lot of speculation about dates and, apparently, to avoid the perception that she had overstepped, she came directly to meet [Trump] in person,’ the same source said. Her strategy appears to be working. State Department insiders tell the Daily Mail that early July is being tentatively suggested as the target for a Presidential landing. ‘The president said he is considering the visit and when would be best to make the trip,’ an insider said. With a NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in neighboring Turkey, a stopover in Athens would surely be a logistical no-brainer.