U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, canceled his planned visit to southern Lebanon following widespread criticism and protests over his insulting remarks to journalists, which were condemned as dehumanizing and reflecting colonial superiority. The Lebanese presidency and journalists' unions called for an apology, and protests with Hezbollah flags occurred against his expected visit.
President-elect Donald Trump announced several key appointments, including Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece and Tom Barrack as ambassador to Turkey. Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and Trump fundraiser, is praised for her experience in law, media, and politics. Barrack, a longtime Trump ally recently acquitted of foreign lobbying charges, is described as a respected voice of reason. Other appointments include Andrew Ferguson and Mark Meador to the FTC, Dan Bishop and Ed Martin to the Office of Management and Budget, and Jacob Helberg as undersecretary of state for economic growth.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle and Tom Barrack as ambassadors to Greece and Turkey, respectively. Guilfoyle, engaged to Trump's son, is expected to strengthen U.S.-Greece relations, while Barrack, a longtime friend and businessman, will serve in Turkey. Both nominations require Senate confirmation. Trump also announced Ronald Johnson as ambassador to Mexico and Charles Kushner for France, continuing his trend of appointing close allies and family connections to key diplomatic positions.
A leaked video from 2020 revealed that CNBC reporter Hadley Gamble had a romantic relationship with billionaire Tom Barrack, a prominent Trump backer. The relationship was exposed to her coworkers, sparking murmurs among staffers who questioned why it was never disclosed on air. Gamble's relationship with Barrack prompted a human resources probe at CNBC in 2021, which cleared her of any wrongdoing. The video also raised questions about Gamble's "inappropriate relationship" with ousted NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell.
Tom Barrack, founder of Colony Capital and a member of First Republic Bank's board, is playing a key role in advising the bank on its options as it seeks to avoid collapse after a $30 billion rescue last week failed to reassure investors. Barrack is working closely with Executive Chairman Jim Herbert in orchestrating any potential deal. Moody's has downgraded the bank to junk, warning that the rescue could weigh on profits, while S&P Global has lowered First Republic's long-term issuer credit rating further into junk territory.