Kimberly Guilfoyle, the ex-fiancée of U.S. President Donald Trump's eldest son and the U.S. ambassador to Greece, recently visited Samsung Heavy Industries' Geoje shipyard and praised the technological prowess of Korea's shipbuilding industry.
Guilfoyle revealed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that she had attended a Samsung Heavy Industries ship launching ceremony, saying it "symbolizes the craftsmanship of Korea's shipbuilding industry." She added, "When we build (ships) with allies, we all rise together."
The event Guilfoyle attended was held on June 27 at Samsung Heavy Industries' Geoje shipyard. Attendees included officials from Greece's major shipping company Tsakos Group and U.S. energy company ExxonMobil.
Guilfoyle said, "This vessel is proof of what can be achieved when Korea's outstanding engineering meets Greece's ambition for the maritime industry." She went on, "A vibrant shipyard and sailors setting out for global trade, nations that stand proudly side by side, united by shared values and purpose beyond a simple contract," stressing the significance of three-way cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Greece.
As President Trump is pushing to revive the U.S. shipbuilding industry, Greece is regarded as a "big spender" in the global shipbuilding market. Greek shipowners place orders for dozens of tankers and bulk carriers at once and are key customers that purchase the most vessels in the world. It is an important market for Korean shipbuilders including Samsung Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai, and Hanwha Ocean. In this context, Guilfoyle is seen as playing a bridge role in facilitating shipbuilding cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Greece.
Guilfoyle has shown particular interest in Korea's shipbuilding industry this year. In May, she also attended a signing ceremony to expand business cooperation between ONEX Group, Greece's largest shipbuilding and defense corporations, and Hanwha Ocean.
Guilfoyle said, "It served as an opportunity to further strengthen the great shipbuilding cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Greece," adding, "The United States stands proudly side by side with Greece and Korea to build a safer and more prosperous future. This is a tangible strategic investment."
A former Fox News host, Guilfoyle is well known as the ex-fiancée of President Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and the ex-wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is mentioned as a potential next presidential candidate for the Democratic Party. President Trump nominated Guilfoyle, who publicly split with his son last year, as the U.S. ambassador to Greece, and in July she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate.