Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, promoted the ribbon-cutting for a new McDonald’s in Athens as an “exciting day for Greece,” pairing the post with claims about technology, jobs, and American culture. The remarks quickly drew criticism from co
Kimberly Guilfoyle marked the opening of a new McDonald’s in Athens with a celebratory post that cast the ribbon-cutting as more than a business event—then watched it turn into a public argument.
On Thursday, the U.S.. ambassador to Greece shared photos from the ceremony and wrote. “An exciting day for Greece!” She added. “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.”
Her enthusiasm drew immediate pushback from people who took issue with almost every element of the message.. One commenter asked. “How is this exciting for Greece it’s a McDonald’s opening in a mall chill lady.” Another wrote. “Culture and good food does not equal McDonalds. ” adding. “Well maybe in Trumpworld.”
Some critics zeroed in on local food culture.. “Nice!. but greeks don’t need help bringing delicious food to the greek people !. they’re pretty good at it and much healthier food!” Others suggested the new. high-tech restaurant could be used as a political prop.. “Maybe President Trump will visit sometime,” one person posted.
Guilfoyle’s post also came with specific claims about the restaurant’s technology—claims that critics leaned on even as they disagreed with the framing.. The new McDonald’s features a 65-square-meter screen and can serve 1. 400 burgers an hour. information that appeared alongside coverage of the opening.
The timing fed into the online chatter. Guilfoyle previously appeared with President Donald Trump at a White House reception in March, where the world heard him reveal that his pet name for her was Kimber-lay.
By the end of the day. the central contradiction was clear in the way the post landed: Guilfoyle presented the event as an “exciting day for Greece” tied to jobs. American culture. and “delicious food. ” while commenters responded that a mall McDonald’s opening doesn’t warrant the emphasis—and questioned the very idea of “culture” being brought in through the chain.
Kimberly Guilfoyle U.S. ambassador to Greece McDonald's Athens ribbon-cutting White House reception Donald Trump Kimber-lay social media backlash