Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, enthusiastically marked the ribbon-cutting for a new McDonald's in Athens on Thursday, but her excitement was not universally shared.
Guilfoyle's Enthusiasm
“An exciting day for Greece!” she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the ceremony. “It was my honor to participate in the ribbon cutting for a brand new McDonald’s at The Mall in Athens, the most technologically advanced McDonald’s in all of Europe! American businesses investing here create jobs and bring American culture – and delicious food – to the Greek people.”
Public Backlash
Critics quickly responded, questioning the significance of the event. “How is this exciting for Greece ??? it’s a McDonald’s opening in a mall chill lady,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Culture and good food does not equal McDonalds. Well maybe in Trumpworld.” A third user defended Greek cuisine, stating, “Nice! but greeks don’t need help bringing delicious food to the greek people ! they’re pretty good at it and much healthier food!”
Political Connections
Some commenters speculated that the high-tech McDonald’s might attract a visit from former President Donald Trump, for whom Guilfoyle served as a campaign surrogate and fundraiser. She was also previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr. The restaurant features a 65-square-meter screen and can serve 1,400 burgers per hour, according to Greek outlet Tovima.com.
Guilfoyle saw Trump at a White House reception in March, where he referred to her by the pet name “Kimber-lay.”
