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President-elect Trump announced he is tapping Callista Gingrich to serve as his ambassador to Switzerland.

Gingrich, married to former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), was Trump’s ambassador to the Vatican during his first term in the White House.

Callista Gingrich is an American diplomat, author, and businesswoman known for her multifaceted career and public role as the wife of former U.S. Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. She gained prominence through her career in politics, her work as an author of children's books, and her tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.

Overview of Callista Gingrich’s Life and Career

Early Life and Education

Callista Louise Bisek was born on March 4, 1966, in Whitehall, Wisconsin, to Alphonse and Bernita Bisek. Raised in a Catholic family, Callista developed a strong connection to her faith early on, which later played a significant role in her diplomatic career.

She attended Whitehall Memorial High School, where she excelled academically and participated in music programs. Callista pursued higher education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 1988. She specialized in playing the French horn and considered a career in music before shifting to public service and politics.

Career Path

1. Congressional Staffer

After college, Callista began her career on Capitol Hill, working as a legislative aide for Congressman Steve Gunderson, a fellow Wisconsin native. Her organizational skills and attention to detail quickly made her a valuable asset in Washington, D.C.

2. Relationship with Newt Gingrich

While working in Washington, Callista met Newt Gingrich, who was then serving as Speaker of the House. Their relationship began in the mid-1990s, eventually leading to their marriage in 2000. The couple became a prominent power duo in Republican politics.

3. Gingrich Productions

In 2007, Callista and Newt co-founded Gingrich Productions, a multimedia company specializing in documentary films, books, and policy advocacy. Callista played a key role as president of the company, overseeing the production of several documentaries, including:

• "Nine Days That Changed the World" (2010): A film about Pope John Paul II’s influence on the fall of communism.
• "America at Risk" (2010): Focused on national security threats.

Her work in Gingrich Productions highlighted her passion for storytelling, history, and faith.

4. Author

Callista is also a published author, primarily known for her children’s book series featuring a patriotic elephant named Ellis the Elephant. Titles in the series include:

• "Sweet Land of Liberty" (2009)
• "Land of the Pilgrims' Pride" (2012)
• "From Sea to Shining Sea" (2013)

These books aim to educate young readers about American history and values.

5. U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (2017–2021)

In 2017, Callista was nominated by then-President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican). Confirmed by the Senate, she held the position until January 2021.

During her tenure, Callista focused on religious freedom, human rights, and strengthening U.S.-Vatican relations. Highlights of her ambassadorship include:

• Advocating for the release of persecuted Christians worldwide.
• Collaborating on humanitarian initiatives with the Catholic Church.
• Addressing global issues like migration, climate change, and religious persecution.

Her role as ambassador showcased her diplomatic skills and deep connection to her Catholic faith.

Personal Life

Callista married Newt Gingrich in 2000, becoming his third wife. Their relationship sparked public interest due to Newt’s high-profile political career. Despite media scrutiny, Callista has maintained a largely private personal life, focusing on her career and charitable endeavors.

The couple resides in McLean, Virginia, and is actively involved in various Republican and conservative causes. Callista’s faith remains central to her life, shaping her approach to both public and personal responsibilities.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Callista Gingrich’s estimated net worth is $10 million. Her wealth comes from multiple sources, including:

1. Earnings from Gingrich Productions and its successful media ventures.
2. Royalties from her children’s book series.
3. Salary as a U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.
4. Investments and shared assets with Newt Gingrich, whose net worth is estimated at $9 million.

The Gingrichs’ combined financial portfolio includes real estate holdings, speaking fees, and book deals.

FAQs About Callista Gingrich

1. What is Callista Gingrich known for?

Callista is known for her roles as an author, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, and president of Gingrich Productions.

2. How did Callista and Newt Gingrich meet?

The couple met while Callista was working as a congressional staffer on Capitol Hill during Newt’s tenure as Speaker of the House.

3. What is Callista Gingrich’s religious background?

Callista is a devout Catholic, a faith she has actively practiced throughout her life. Her Catholic identity significantly influenced her work as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.

4. What are Callista’s contributions to children’s literature?

Callista authored the Ellis the Elephant series, which teaches children about American history and values.

5. How long was Callista the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See?

She served as ambassador from 2017 to 2021 during the Trump administration.

6. What are some documentaries produced by Callista?

She produced films like "Nine Days That Changed the World" and "America at Risk" under Gingrich Productions.

7. Does Callista have children?

Callista does not have children of her own but is a stepmother to Newt Gingrich’s two daughters from his previous marriage.

8. Where does Callista live?

Callista resides in McLean, Virginia, with Newt Gingrich.

9. What is Callista’s educational background?

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Luther College, specializing in the French horn.

10. What is Callista’s connection to the Catholic Church?

As a lifelong Catholic, Callista has been actively involved in promoting religious freedom and humanitarian efforts, particularly during her ambassadorship.