Brief
Debbie Matenopoulos launches bid to replace Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece
Matenopoulos promotes her Greek language fluency, passport and entrepreneurial ventures in a video posted Thursday.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former "The View" co‑host Debbie Matenopoulos announced Thursday that she is campaigning to become the next U.S. ambassador to Greece, a post that opened after President Donald Trump asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign.
What happened
Matenopoulos posted a short video on social media outlining why she believes she is qualified. She said she speaks Greek as her first language, holds a Greek passport, and has family residing in Greece. She also highlighted two best‑selling Greek cookbooks and a Greek‑focused skincare line as evidence of her connection to the country.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that Guilfoyle had been nominated in late 2024, sworn in September 2025, and stepped down this week following a report alleging she sought a $100,000 donor payment to cover a credit‑card bill. The outlet adds that Matenopoulos has no formal diplomatic training, but argues her media experience prepares her for the role.
What was said
In the video, Matenopoulos said, "No. 1, I speak the language. It was my first language before I even spoke English. No. 2, I have a Greek passport," and added, "I understand the politics, the government, the people, I have many connections… I love the country." She also addressed the outgoing ambassador, stating, "No disrespect to Kimberly Guilfoyle. You don’t need any qualifications to be an ambassador to any country… you just need to be an entrepreneur, a successful businesswoman or businessman, or political donor, and you have to be approved by the president and the U.S. Senate." The Independent reports that Matenopoulos told Page Six she is "incredibly serious" about the role, saying her journalism and live‑TV background have prepared her more than most candidates.
How it came about
The ambassadorial vacancy follows a series of scandals surrounding Guilfoyle, including allegations of a donor cash request and an audio rant over a Trump‑family dinner snub, which led to her resignation on 2026‑10‑15 (see Felo News coverage here). Matenopoulos’ campaign emerges amid the White House’s search for a replacement.
Key facts
- Debbie Matenopoulos announced a campaign to become U.S. ambassador to Greece. (independent.co.uk)
- She claims fluency in Greek, a Greek passport, two best‑selling Greek cookbooks and a Greek skincare line. (independent.co.uk)
- The ambassadorship became vacant after President Donald Trump asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Former The View co-host campaigns to replace Kimberly Guilfoyle as Greece ambassador”
