US Ambassador to Greece and Donald Trump Jr’s ex Kimberly Guilfoyle has come under scrutiny over the prominent role played by Greek-American businessman and lobbyist Christos Marafatsos during her efforts to promote US energy interests across southeastern Europe. A Wall Street Journal investigation reported that Marafatsos, 39, has frequently accompanied Guilfoyle to high-level meetings despite having no official role in the US government. He is a registered lobbyist for Greek construction company Aktor Group, which has expanded into the natural gas business.The report said some foreign officials who encountered Marafatsos alongside Guilfoyle assumed he was a member of her official diplomatic team or even her chief of staff. In reality, he is a private businessman whose lobbying work includes representing Aktor.
Why is Marafatsos accompanying Guilfoyle?
Guilfoyle has been travelling across the Balkans to promote a proposed “vertical gas corridor”, an infrastructure network intended to bring US liquefied natural gas (LNG) into Greece and move it north towards countries including Ukraine.During a visit to Bulgaria, Guilfoyle reportedly encouraged officials to work with Aktor. Marafatsos was present during a meeting with Bulgaria’s president.The Journal reported that Aktor’s chief executive had flown Guilfoyle to Bulgaria on a private jet. Several people who attended meetings involving Guilfoyle and Marafatsos told the newspaper that Marafatsos did not disclose his relationship with Aktor during those meetings.Aktor registered Marafatsos as a lobbyist in November, shortly after Guilfoyle arrived in Athens. Federal lobbying records cited by the Journal show that the company paid him $160,000 through June to help establish connections with the White House, State Department and Energy Department.
Who is Christos Marafatsos?
Marafatsos was raised in Maryland and has worked in several businesses, including a produce distribution company in the Washington area, real estate consulting and a venture involving an IMAX 3D attraction focused on the Acropolis.His political connections predate Guilfoyle’s appointment as ambassador. He became involved in Donald Trump’s political operation during Trump’s first presidential campaign and later chaired Greek Voices for Trump.After Trump nominated Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece, Marafatsos reportedly helped prepare her for her Senate confirmation hearing and attended her swearing-in.Trump has also publicly acknowledged Marafatsos. During a Greek Independence Day event at the White House, Trump pointed him out and described him as a “good looking guy”.
What does Guilfoyle’s team say?
Guilfoyle’s lawyer, Jesse Binnall, rejected the suggestion that the ambassador was improperly promoting one company. He said Guilfoyle has worked with companies across the energy sector and that her official meetings are arranged through embassy channels.Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Guilfoyle as an effective advocate for the administration’s agenda.Marafatsos said he was proud to promote commercial initiatives that he believes advance US interests and create economic opportunities in Greece and southeastern Europe.Aktor’s lawyers also disputed the suggestion that the company’s involvement in the energy corridor resulted from Guilfoyle’s intervention, saying its participation began before any contacts with the ambassador.