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James Costos (born 1963) is an American diplomat who was the United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2013 to 2017.[1] He was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate on August 1, 2013.

Key Information

Outside of his diplomatic work, Costos was an executive for HBO, and is the president of film production company Secuoya Studios. He was appointed as a member of the board of directors of, PJT Partners, in February 2017 shortly after completing his term as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra in January 2017, and the American LGBTQ advocacy group, Human Rights Campaign, in October 2021.

Early life

[edit]

Costos was born in 1963 and grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts. He is a second-generation Greek-American, whose father served as a U.S. Marine and was stationed at Camp David during the Truman administration.[2] He is the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned a degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1985.[3]

Career

[edit]

Ambassador Costos was a corporate leader and executive in the international retail and international entertainment industries, most notably at HBO and Tod's. He is an active supporter of humanitarian and cultural organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and the Hispanic Society of America[4]

President Obama nominated Costos for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Principality of Andorra on June 14, 2013.[5] The U.S. Senate voted to confirm the nomination on August 1, 2013, and Costos was sworn in on August 22, 2013.[3][6] He presented his credentials to the Spanish government in Madrid on September 24, 2013.[6] He presented his credentials to the Co-Princes of Andorra in La Seu d'Urgell on April 4, 2014, and in Paris on July 23, 2014.[7]

Ambassador Costos visits Rota

His business career has made him an expert on the issue of the enforcement of laws against digital piracy, a particular concern of U.S. businesses with respect to Spain. His initial focus, he said, was on issues of international security and thanking Spain for allowing the U.S. to deploy part of its anti-missile shield defense and for hosting U.S. military bases. In September 2013, Costos visited the bases at Rota and Morón to mark the 60th anniversary of the agreement under which they were established.[8]

In July 2016, President Obama was the first sitting president to visit Spain in 15 years. Ambassador Costos accompanied President Obama, the first U.S. president to visit Naval Station Rota, where Costos oversaw the arrival of four U.S. Navy destroyers based there, as part of a NATO anti-missile defense shield.[9]

President Obama and Ambassador Costos - Naval Station Rota

In his speech at Rota, President Obama said, "Spain is a strong NATO ally, we’re grateful for Spain's many decades of hosting U.S. forces, and we’re major trading partners. That's why the United States is deeply committed to maintaining our relationship with a strong, unified Spain. We need Spain's continued contributions to the campaign against ISIL, to counter-terrorism efforts that prevent attacks, and to NATO efforts that enhance our defense and deterrence posture. We need a growing Spanish economy to help sustain trade, growth in the EU, and entrepreneurship so that globalization is creating jobs and opportunity for all people, not just a few at the top.” [10]

Deputy Secretary of State Antony "Tony" Blinken, with U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra James Costos, visits Campus Madrid, Google's space for entrepreneurs, in Madrid, Spain, on July 27, 2015.

Building on the policy objectives of President Obama to promote global entrepreneurship, Ambassador Costos created and launched an event called InCubed (IN3) in June 2015, where innovators, investors and institutions would meet to network and exchange ideas. “You said you wanted access to Silicon Valley,” Costos told them. “Well, I have brought Silicon Valley to you."[11]

In October 2013 the Spanish government summoned him to address allegations that the National Security Agency had recently collected data on 60 million telephone calls in Spain.[12]

While visiting California in 2014, President Obama and his wife Michelle stayed at the Costos-Smith home.[13]

In June 2015, he joined other gay U.S. ambassadors in a statement supporting international trade agreements, linking open markets to the development of open societies that provide civil rights protections.[14]

In February 2017, Costos joined the board of directors of PJT Partners, an advisory-focused investment bank. Paul J. Taubman is the chairman and CEO of PJT Partners. Taubman founded PJT Partners in early 2013 and, in October 2014, announced the intention to merge into the spun-off Blackstone advisory businesses.[15]

In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain's Secuoya Content Group, owner of Madrid Content City studios used by Netflix for its first European Production Hub, named Ambassador Costos, former HBO Executive, as president of Secuoya Studios, its TV fiction-film content production arm.[16]

Greeting King Filipe of Spain at Madrid Content City, are Raul Berdones, Pablo Jimeno and Ambassador Costos

In 2023, Deadline reported that Secuoya Studios appointed Costos because his background in the entertainment industry and close ties to Spain positioned him to strengthen collaboration between the Spanish and U.S. audiovisual sectors. Following his diplomatic service, the Spanish Film Commission named him an honorary ambassador in recognition of his role in connecting Spanish and American companies. Deadline also quoted Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who praised Costos and Secuoya Studios for operating “a world-class production facility that hosts some of the biggest Netflix productions including* Élite*, Kaos, Berlin, and Society of the Snow.”[17]

Costos was appointed in October 2020, to the board of directors of Grifols S.A., a Spanish global biotherapeutics company listed on the IBEX 35. Grifols employs 24,000 people and had revenues of 5.1 billion euros in 2019, which grew by 13.6%, while net profit increased by 4.8% to 625 million euros.[18]

Grifols began Phase 3 clinical trials in patients with COVID-19 with its therapeutic manufactured in Clayton, North Carolina. Grifols is manufacturing the experimental therapy from the plasma of healthy, recovered COVID-19 patients, and was the first to deploy a large-scale collection of this plasma, as well as the first to manufacture and deliver the clinical anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune globulin.[19]

Costos resigned his position from the Grifols Board of Directors, with his resignation becoming effective in May 2024, citing that his term was naturally expiring and that his other commitments wouldn't allow him to devote the necessary time to carry out his entrusted task as director.[20]

James Costos at Human Rights Campaign National Dinner September 2025

In October 2021, Costos was appointed to the Human Rights Campaign Board of Directors and the HRC Foundation board of directors.[21] When Costos was appointed U.S. Ambassador in 2013, the Human Rights Campaign said "Costos is a true citizen of the world, he has incredible global business experience and is a respected and innovative leader. He has solid business and political relationships at the highest levels and a proven commitment to community, philanthropy, human rights, and democracy that make him an outstanding choice to be the nation's next Ambassador to Spain.” [22]

President Biden, in June 2022, appointed Costos to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, an “educational and cultural exchange” network that connects students and professionals to international graduate and study programs. Costos said, “It's a great privilege to continue the work I did when I was at the embassy, I always wanted to spend a lot of my time with the next generation of folks who are coming up behind us, because they will be our future leaders, and we have to invest our time and our resources in them."[23]

Costos resigned from the Fulbright Scholarship Board in June 2025, along with 10 other members, due to alleged political interference by the Trump administration in the Fulbright Program's selection process, which was designed to be impartial and protected by the board. The board stated their resignations were to avoid legitimizing actions that they believed compromised the program's integrity and the mission established by Congress, according to The New York Times. Costos stated his resignation was not a protest, but a defense of principle and the legacy of Senator J. William Fulbright.[24]

Ambassadorship

[edit]

United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra (2013–2017)

James Costos served as the United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from September 24, 2013, to January 18, 2017, during the administration of President Barack Obama. His tenure focused on strengthening transatlantic relations through innovation, entrepreneurship, cultural diplomacy, defense cooperation, trade, tourism and the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights.[25][26]

Economic, Trade and Audiovisual Cooperation

Costos prioritized expanding bilateral trade and investment between the United States, Spain and Andorra, emphasizing economic development, entrepreneurship, innovation, renewable energy and the creative industries. During his ambassadorship, U.S. exports to Spain increased, while Spain became one of the top European investors in the United States, particularly in infrastructure, energy and manufacturing.[27]

He collaborated closely with the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE), AmCham Spain and U.S. agencies such as the Department of Commerce, The U.S Small Business Association and SelectUSA to promote bilateral business partnerships. His leadership in the creation of the IN³ Summit, an Innovation, Investment and Impact Initiative which connected Spanish entrepreneurs with U.S. investors and technology leaders, and together with then Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Costos helped bring the fourth Google Campus (Google for Startups) in the world to Madrid, cementing Spain's place on the global tech innovation map as a regional hub for startup activity.[28]

A major focus of his diplomacy was the promotion of Spain's audiovisual and entertainment sector as a destination for U.S. investment and production. Drawing on his earlier career at HBO, Costos introduced Hollywood executives to Spain's growing film and television industry. He hosted delegations of industry leaders—including Ted Sarandos (Netflix), Richard Plepler (HBO), and Ron Meyer (NBCUniversal) and facilitated meetings with Spanish officials, producers, and film commissions to encourage co-productions and filming in Spain.[29][30] These efforts contributed to a rise in U.S. productions filmed in Spain, including Game of Thrones,[31] Terminator: Dark Fate, and Allied.[32] Following his diplomatic service, Costos continued advancing these collaborations as President of Secuoya Studios, fostering international co-production and investment in Spain's growing audiovisual economy.

Promotion of Tourism and Transatlantic Connectivity

Costos also championed tourism promotion as a pillar of economic diplomacy, working to increase travel between Spain and the United States through expanded air routes, joint marketing and public diplomacy efforts. He collaborated with Turespaña, Brand USA, and major carriers such as American Airlines and Iberia to grow transatlantic flight connections linking U.S. cities with Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga and eventually Mallorca.[33]

Through media appearances and embassy-led initiatives, Costos promoted Spain to American travelers as a destination for culture, gastronomy, design, and heritage. Condé Nast Traveler profiled him as “a modern ambassador redefining Spain's global image,” highlighting his advocacy for cultural exchange between both the U.S and Spain, and the importance of sustainable travel.[34] Architectural Digest also showcased the ambassador's residence in Madrid—redesigned with his partner Michael S. Smith, as “a reflection of Spain's artistic and cultural vitality,” emphasizing its use as a venue for hosting tourism, cultural and investment events.[35]

During his tenure, Spain recorded record high U.S. visitor numbers in 2015–2016, the strongest since before the global financial crisis, with American Airlines, Delta, and United Air Lines all expanding direct services to the country.[36] Industry observers credited these gains to coordinated embassy outreach, Costos's engagement with travel and hospitality leaders, and Spain's growing reputation as a safe and creative European destination.

Defense and NATO Cooperation

Costos oversaw a period of significant deepening in U.S.–Spain defense cooperation and Spain's integration within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) framework. During his ambassadorship, Naval Station Rota in Cádiz became a cornerstone of NATO's Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system in Europe. Between 2014 and 2015, four U.S. Navy Aegis destroyers—USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), USS Ross (DDG-71), USS Porter (DDG-78), and USS Carney (DDG-64) were homeported at Rota, representing one of the most important U.S. military deployments in Spain in decades.[37][38]

In 2015, Costos helped finalize an amendment to the U.S.–Spain Defense Cooperation Agreement allowing a permanent U.S. Marine Corps crisis-response force to be stationed at Morón Air Base, supporting operations across Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.[39] This agreement transformed Morón into the permanent headquarters of the U.S. Africa Command's Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SP-MAGTF), reinforcing Spain's strategic importance to transatlantic security.

He accompanied President Barack Obama during the 2016 presidential visit to Spain, which included meetings with King Felipe VI, Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, and U.S. service members at Rota. The visit reaffirmed bilateral defense commitments and highlighted Spain's participation in NATO operations in the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.[40]

Under Costos's tenure, cooperation also expanded in counter-terrorism, cyber-security, and intelligence sharing, identified by both governments as priorities following terrorist attacks in Europe in 2015–2016.[41]

Cultural Diplomacy and Human Rights

A strong proponent of cultural diplomacy, Costos and his partner Michael S. Smith expanded the Art in Embassies program at the ambassador's residence in Madrid, curating one of the most extensive contemporary art installations ever presented in a U.S. embassy and opening it to the public.[42] [43]

Costos was also a visible advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, hosting embassy events marking the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court marriage-equality ruling and supporting Spain's role in the U.N. “Free & Equal” campaign.[44]

Political Positions

[edit]

Costos characterized President Trump's handling of COVID-19 as a complete failure, "my country failed the world in this effort by not being adequately prepared for the pandemic and by recklessly refusing to take the lead on a coordinated global response." He insists that "competent leadership and a firm reliance on science is required to take the necessary actions to save our planet for future generations to come. Science and research are not fake news."[45]

Costos explained, "We must work to restore trust in our leadership and join together to solve our world problems. Electing former Vice-President Joe Biden to the White House in November is the fundamental first step Americans should take to heal the soul and spirit of our nation, with the concomitant goal of immediately refocusing our nation's global agenda."[45]

Personal life

[edit]

Costos lives in Los Angeles, California, with his partner Michael S. Smith, the official interior designer for the Obama White House. He is a vegetarian but imposed no dietary restrictions on embassy functions. On the subject of LGBT rights, Costos has said "I am not an activist. I broadly support human rights for straight, gay, women's issues. And I just happen to be gay... This doesn't define me as a person, but it is part of who I am. It's like being a vegetarian: it's one more facet of James Costos."[8] He said he and Smith had been welcomed in Spain "with great accommodation" and that because Spain already provides LGBT civil rights, the role he and Smith played was symbolic for those who still suffered from a lack of enforcement in support of their rights: "What we can do through our messaging is give a sense of hope."[46]

After leaving the White House in January 2017, the Obamas departed Washington for Palm Springs, where they were guests in the Costos-Smith home for several days before traveling to the British Virgin Islands to stay at the home of Sir Richard Branson.[47]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

James Costos

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

James Costos (born 1963) is an American business executive and former diplomat who served as the to the Kingdom of and the Principality of from August 2013 to January 2017. A second-generation Greek-American raised in , Costos earned a in from the in 1985, becoming the first in his family to graduate college. Prior to his diplomatic appointment by President Barack Obama, Costos built a career in retail and entertainment, holding executive positions including vice president of retail operations at TOD'S and Hermès of Paris, head of promotions and consumer products at Revolution Studios, and vice president of global licensing and retail at HBO from 2007 to 2013, where he established the company's global licensing division. As ambassador, he advanced U.S.-Spain bilateral relations, including through initiatives like the IN³ entrepreneurial summit that facilitated connections between American tech leaders and Spanish innovators. Since leaving office, Costos has continued in media and advisory roles, serving as president of Secuoya Studios, a Madrid-based global TV and film production company, and as a strategic advisor for FC Barcelona in the Americas, while holding board positions at organizations such as PJT Partners and the Hispanic Society of America.

Early Life and Education

Upbringing and Family Background

James Costos was born in 1963 in , to second-generation Greek-American parents, embedding a strong sense of ethnic heritage and family-oriented values from an early age. He spent his childhood in the working-class Lowell Highlands and Belvidere neighborhoods, areas reflective of the city's immigrant-rooted communities with modest economic circumstances. His father, who served as a U.S. Marine and was stationed at , exemplified discipline and patriotism through his military background and by holding multiple jobs to sustain the family, fostering in Costos a robust and appreciation for perseverance amid limited resources. These formative experiences in a tight-knit, industrious environment reinforced Costos's Greek-American identity, emphasizing familial duty and self-reliance over material excess.

Academic and Early Professional Influences

Costos graduated from the in 1985 with a degree in , becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. He selected the major for its provision of a general , which he credited with equipping him for diverse professional challenges. After graduation, Costos launched his career in as a and retail executive, advancing to Vice President of Retail Operations for the Italian luxury brand S.p.A. and similarly for of . These positions involved overseeing international retail strategies, consumer marketing, and operational management, fostering skills in global brand development and licensing that proved foundational to his expertise. Transitioning to entertainment, Costos assumed leadership in promotions and consumer products at , followed by founding and serving as President and CEO of Eight Cylinders, Inc., an and licensing agency, from 2005 to 2006. These early roles emphasized strategic and cross-industry partnerships, bridging his retail background to media operations and influencing his trajectory toward executive responsibilities in content distribution.

Business Career

Rise at HBO

Costos joined and advanced to the role of of Global Licensing and Retail, serving from 2007 to 2013. In this executive position, he oversaw the company's global licensing, retail, and consumer marketing operations, focusing on strategies to protect and monetize 's content portfolio. A key aspect of his tenure involved establishing and leading HBO's dedicated division for international expansion, which aimed to broaden the network's reach beyond domestic markets through targeted licensing deals and retail initiatives. This effort addressed challenges in content distribution amid growing digital threats, including , where Costos developed expertise in enforcing rights across borders—a skill honed through managing global anti-piracy measures tied to licensing enforcement. His leadership in these areas underscored HBO's push to safeguard premium content amid rising unauthorized distribution, contributing to the company's sustained growth during a period of digital disruption. Costos's role highlighted his in navigating complex media ecosystems, particularly in aligning retail with content protection to enhance streams from HBO's flagship programming. By integrating with , he facilitated partnerships that extended HBO's brand into new markets, though specific figures from his initiatives remain . This executive ascent positioned him as a key figure in HBO's adaptation to , emphasizing proactive defenses against that later informed broader industry advocacy.

Pre-Diplomatic Business Activities

In the lead-up to his diplomatic nomination, James Costos maintained his executive responsibilities at as of Global Licensing and Retail, a position he held from 2007 until departing for . In this capacity, he directed the creation of 's dedicated global licensing, retail, and consumer marketing division, focusing on expanding content distribution and merchandise partnerships beyond the . These efforts necessitated collaborations with foreign entities in media and retail, fostering professional networks in international markets that emphasized commercial negotiations over governmental channels. Costos's emphasis on private-sector media ventures highlighted a trajectory rooted in entrepreneurial deal-making and cultural content export, in contrast to the structured ascent of career Foreign Service officers through State Department assignments and protocol training. His prior leadership in promotions and consumer products at , where he developed national corporate partnerships starting in 2002, further underscored this business-oriented foundation, though active involvement appears to have preceded his HBO tenure. No independent consulting or external advisory roles in media or are recorded for the narrow window between his HBO exit and nomination in June 2013, reflecting a streamlined shift from corporate to diplomatic duties. These engagements cultivated connections among entertainment executives and international stakeholders, positioning Costos's expertise in licensing agreements as a asset for economic diplomacy, distinct from conventional bureaucratic preparation.

Diplomatic Service

Appointment as Ambassador to Spain and Andorra

President announced his intention to nominate James Costos, then of global licensing and retail at , as the to and on June 14, 2013. Costos, a resident and non-career appointee, underwent confirmation proceedings, including a testimony before the Foreign Relations on July 25, 2013, followed by committee approval on July 30 and full confirmation by on August 1, 2013. This appointment aligned with the Obama administration's practice of designating approximately 30% of ambassadorships to political appointees, often major campaign contributors, as a tradition spanning multiple presidencies but drawing scrutiny for prioritizing fundraising over specialized expertise. Costos had bundled over $500,000 for Obama's 2012 reelection campaign, positioning him among key Democratic supporters rewarded with diplomatic posts. Proponents highlighted his executive experience at , involving international media deals and cultural promotion, as assets for advancing U.S. economic and interests in , a nation with significant trade ties and commitments. However, the selection fueled debates on ambassadorial qualifications, with career and observers critiquing the emphasis on donor loyalty over acumen or prior governmental service, a recurring concern in Obama-era picks where political appointees comprised about 30-37% of envoys. Costos's lack of traditional diplomatic background exemplified this tension between and in U.S. ambassadorial appointments.

Key Initiatives During Tenure (2013-2017)

Upon arriving in Madrid in September 2013, amid revelations of U.S. on Spanish communications, Costos engaged in immediate damage control efforts. Spanish officials summoned him on October 28, 2013, to protest the interception of over 60 million phone calls, deeming it a breach of trust. In response, Costos assured authorities that NSA activities operated legally and played a critical role in , while emphasizing continuity in bilateral security cooperation. He publicly prioritized strengthening ties over monitoring sentiment, stating, "I'm not tracking ; I'm here to build on the relationship." Costos advanced U.S.-Spain economic ties by promoting and investment, leveraging his prior HBO executive experience in global licensing to address digital piracy—a key concern for American content industries. Spain enacted new anti-piracy laws in 2015, including measures against unauthorized linking and a "Google Tax" on aggregators, which Costos viewed as steps toward protecting while fostering legal digital markets. He highlighted untapped potential in expansion, noting 's role as a ally and partner in amid shared economic recovery post-2008 crisis. Additionally, Costos supported the growth of 's tech , facilitating connections between U.S. investors and Spanish innovators to bolster innovation-driven commerce. In , Costos hosted cultural events at the U.S. Embassy, including movie screenings, artist talks, and gatherings for entrepreneurs and filmmakers, to enhance people-to-people exchanges. On March 17, 2015, he inaugurated the American Space in , a hub offering resources on U.S. , , and for students and representatives. These initiatives, conducted as the first U.S. ambassador posted with his same-sex spouse, Michael Smith, integrated visibility of the couple into embassy programming, such as receptions that drew diverse attendees and supported youth-focused exchanges on topics like and .

Achievements in Bilateral Relations

Costos advanced U.S.-Spain economic cooperation by launching the IN3 (Incubed) conference series in June 2015, organized by the U.S. Embassy in to connect Spanish innovators, investors, and institutions with U.S. counterparts, including Silicon Valley leaders like Executive Chairman . This initiative supported 's post-2008 economic recovery by promoting entrepreneurship and bilateral investment, coinciding with Spanish startups attracting over €500 million in in 2015, more than double the 2014 figure. Notable outcomes included enhanced global visibility for firms like Carto, which secured €20 million from Ventures, and exits such as Ticketbis's €147 million sale to . In transatlantic security, Costos reinforced commitments during a period of heightened alliance focus, underscoring Spain's hosting of U.S. forces at Rota and Morón bases, which supported operations in , , , and threat response. His visits to facilities like highlighted ongoing enhancements, including the deployment of four Aegis-equipped U.S. destroyers by 2014 as part of 's architecture. These arrangements bolstered collective defense and regional stability, with maintaining significant troop contributions to missions. Costos contributed to cultural diplomacy through the State Department's Art in Embassies program, overseeing the assembly of its largest-ever collection for an ambassadorial residence, featuring over 80 works by American and Spanish artists displayed at the embassy. This included loans such as six etchings by , with the residence opened to the public in October 2015 to promote mutual understanding and ties. Leveraging his HBO background, Costos advocated for improved intellectual property protections in to address rampant , emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement to foster U.S. industry investments and collaborations. His efforts aligned with broader bilateral trade promotion, including support for negotiations to reduce barriers and enhance .

Criticisms and Challenges Faced

Costos's appointment as was criticized as an instance of , given his role as a major fundraiser who raised over $500,000 for Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign, aligning with the Obama administration's pattern of nominating 39 political allies or donors to ambassadorships in the second term. Conservative commentators and analysts argued that such bundler appointees, lacking traditional diplomatic credentials, prioritized political loyalty over expertise, contributing to a broader critique of Obama's 37% political rate—higher than historical norms—which they claimed undermined professional . Supporters of political appointments countered that business executives like Costos brought practical skills in managing complex organizations, potentially yielding tangible bilateral outcomes despite initial skepticism. Critics highlighted Costos's limited foreign policy experience prior to the role, stemming from his HBO executive background, as a liability in navigating Spain's entrenched challenges, including high levels of anti-American sentiment documented in European surveys where consistently ranked among the most skeptical toward U.S. influence. Right-leaning outlets questioned the efficacy of a "celebrity-style" approach reliant on ties and social events over substantive expertise, particularly amid demands to enforce anti-piracy measures in a country with rampant digital content infringement that predated and persisted during his tenure. Proponents argued that his industry knowledge uniquely positioned him to advance U.S. interests, citing pre-existing U.S. pressure on 's lax enforcement as context rather than a personal failing. A significant diplomatic challenge arose in October 2013 when summoned Costos to protest NSA revelations, including the interception of from 60 million Spanish phone calls, which Spanish officials described as eroding trust between allies. This incident, occurring shortly after his arrival, amplified bilateral tensions and drew scrutiny over the perceived inadequacy of political appointees in handling intelligence fallout without deep institutional grounding. While defenders noted that such disputes transcended individual ambassadors and required Washington-level resolution, skeptics from circles viewed it as emblematic of broader vulnerabilities in non-expert leadership during crises.

Political Involvement

Fundraising and Democratic Support

James Costos emerged as a prominent bundler for Democratic presidential campaigns, leveraging his position as an HBO executive to solicit contributions from entertainment industry networks. For Barack Obama's reelection effort, Costos bundled $1,124,925 in donations, placing him among the campaign's top fundraisers. He also made a personal contribution of $5,000 to Obama's campaign that cycle. Costos extended his fundraising activities to Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign, where records indicate he bundled $553,914. In May 2019, he hosted a event that raised over $750,000 for Biden from Hollywood contributors, highlighting his connections within the entertainment sector. These efforts positioned Costos within a broader network of high-profile Democratic donors, including figures from media and design industries. His substantial bundling totals, exceeding $1.6 million across the Obama and Biden campaigns, exemplified the role of elite donors in Democratic finance operations. Costos's activities fueled observations that such financial influence correlated with ambassadorial nominations under the Obama administration, as major bundlers were frequently appointed to diplomatic posts.

Expressed Views on Policy and Politics

Costos has advocated for the advancement of LGBT rights internationally, emphasizing their integration into U.S. diplomatic efforts to enhance America's global image on . During his tenure as ambassador to from 2013 to 2017, he hosted multiple LGBT-themed events at the U.S. embassy in and ensured the rainbow flag was displayed prominently during local celebrations, positioning these actions as symbols of U.S. commitment to equality and diversity abroad. As part of the first openly gay married couple to serve in such a high-profile ambassadorial role alongside his husband Michael S. Smith, Costos highlighted how this visibility countered perceptions of U.S. , though empirical assessments of long-term impacts on bilateral perceptions remain limited and mixed, with some Spanish media noting amplified awareness but no quantifiable shifts in polls. His involvement with the , including board membership post-diplomacy, underscores a consistent prioritization of these issues, often framing them as core to democratic values without addressing potential trade-offs in host-country relations where conservative sentiments prevail. On , Costos expressed support for deepening transatlantic economic ties through agreements. In his July 25, 2013, confirmation testimony, he pledged to advance negotiations on the (TTIP) with , arguing it would bolster mutual prosperity and security by reducing barriers and fostering investment flows between the U.S. and partners. This stance aligned with his HBO executive background in global content licensing, where he had navigated challenges; observers anticipated his emphasis on combating in , given the country's high rates of digital content infringement that affected U.S. media exports, though Costos did not publicly detail specific enforcement proposals beyond general for stronger IP protections in bilateral talks. Such positions drew implicit scrutiny for potentially prioritizing corporate donor interests in entertainment over broader developmental aid, yet they reflected standard U.S. trade priorities without evident deviation from empirical economic rationales favoring open markets. Costos has voiced opposition to certain Republican-led policies, particularly those perceived as undermining institutional autonomy. In June 2025, he resigned from the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board alongside nearly all members, citing "unprecedented" political interference by Trump administration appointees who overrode board selections by denying awards to approximately 200 scholars for the 2025-2026 cycle, actions he described as eroding the program's merit-based independence. In a public statement, Costos framed the move "not in protest, but in defense of principle," arguing it preserved the Fulbright's role in advancing U.S. through apolitical educational exchanges, while expressing broader distress that Trump's policies were "destroying the role the has played as the of [and] knowledge." This echoed his earlier resignation as upon Trump's January 2017 , signaling a preference for Democratic frameworks on continuity over adaptations to incoming administrations' directives. Critics from conservative outlets have questioned whether such stances prioritize partisan loyalty over pragmatic governance, but Costos maintained they safeguarded evidence-based against ideologically driven disruptions.

Personal Life

Relationship and Marriage

James Costos has maintained a long-term relationship with interior designer Michael S. Smith since the early 2000s. Smith, known for high-profile commissions, was appointed by President in 2009 to redecorate the residential quarters, overseeing updates that blended historical elements with contemporary functionality during the administration's tenure. During Costos's ambassadorship to and from 2013 to 2017, Smith resided with him at the U.S. Embassy residence in , positioning them as one of the first same-sex couples to occupy such a diplomatic household. The couple jointly hosted events at the residence, including diplomatic receptions, trade discussions, LGBT advocacy gatherings, movie premieres, and the annual Marine Corps Ball, leveraging Smith's design expertise to enhance the venue's appeal for official functions. Subsequent reporting has referred to Smith as Costos's husband, reflecting the formalization of their partnership amid evolving U.S. legal recognitions of same-sex unions, though specific details on the remain private. Their public partnership underscored U.S. commitments to equality in diplomacy but occasionally highlighted tensions in host countries with conservative social norms resistant to such arrangements.

Art Collection and Lifestyle

Costos and his partner, Michael S. Smith, amassed an extensive private collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by American artists such as and , alongside pieces by Spanish artists like and Old Masters. The collection emphasizes cultural ties between the and , with selections highlighting American innovation and bilateral artistic exchanges. During Costos's ambassadorship from 2013 to 2017, the couple loaned dozens of pieces from their holdings to the U.S. Embassy residence in , augmenting the State Department's Art in Embassies program with over 80 works by American, Latin American, and Spanish creators. This included personal loans such as six etchings by , which were displayed to promote U.S. artistic heritage abroad. In October 2015, they hosted public tours of the renovated residence, allowing visitors to view the integrated artworks amid modernized interiors funded partly by their personal contributions. Costos's lifestyle reflects affluence derived from his executive career at , where he held senior marketing roles culminating in oversight of home entertainment divisions, enabling investments in art and real estate. Primarily based in , he maintains residences in Madrid's district—a 6,500-square-foot in a 19th-century —and on Mallorca's Finca X'arbet estate, blending Mediterranean aesthetics with contemporary design. These properties host elite social gatherings, positioning Costos within high-profile circles of collectors, designers, and cultural figures in both cities. His philanthropy centers on arts institutions, including board service with the and past support for the Santa Monica Museum of Art, reflecting a commitment to preserving and promoting visual culture. In recognition of these efforts and his facilitation of art loans abroad, Costos received the Distinguished Art Award from the Whistler House Museum of Art in May 2017.

Post-Diplomacy Activities

Return to Business and Advisory Roles

Following his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to and , which ended in January 2017, James Costos assumed the role of strategic advisor to in America on July 12, 2017. In this capacity, he focused on advancing the club's initiatives in the United States, including support for the FC Barcelona Foundation, the Barça Innovation Hub, and the expansion of FC Barcelona's commercial presence, drawing on his diplomatic networks to foster sports-business connections between and . Costos was subsequently appointed as an honorary of the Spanish Film Commission after his , recognizing his efforts in bridging Spanish and U.S. entities within the sector. This role underscored his ongoing involvement in for and television production, promoting transatlantic collaborations that capitalized on Spain's growing incentives for international shoots and co-productions. In April 2020, Costos joined Secuoya Studios as president, leading the Madrid-headquartered Spanish-language content production arm of the Secuoya Group and establishing its office to enhance U.S.- linkages. Under his leadership, the studio has positioned as the "Hollywood of ," attracting global productions through tax rebates and infrastructure while emphasizing co-productions with American partners. In 2024 interviews, Costos highlighted 's appeal as a production hub, citing its skilled workforce, diverse locations, and government incentives that have drawn investments from major U.S. studios, with Secuoya Studios producing scripted series and films for international distribution.

Recent Public Engagements and Resignations

Following his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to , James Costos served on the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, which advises the U.S. Department of State on the administration of the , a key initiative for international educational and cultural exchanges established under the Fulbright Act of 1946. The board's role includes recommending policies and overseeing scholar selections to maintain the program's merit-based, nonpartisan integrity. On June 11, 2025, Costos resigned alongside 11 of the board's 12 members, who issued a joint statement alleging unlawful interference by the incoming Trump administration in the scholar selection process for the 2025-2026 cycle. The resigning members claimed the administration had overridden board-approved awards, denying funding to specific recipients without justification and thereby politicizing what they described as an apolitical institution dedicated to fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations. In a LinkedIn post announcing his departure, Costos stated, "Today, I resigned from the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board—not in protest, but in defense of principle," framing the action as a safeguard against executive overreach into independent advisory functions. This en masse resignation drew attention to tensions over institutional autonomy amid partisan shifts in U.S. foreign policy apparatus, with critics of the board's move arguing it preemptively escalated administrative reviews into a broader narrative of interference, though the Trump administration had not publicly responded to the specific allegations by late June 2025. In October 2024, Costos engaged publicly at the Iberseries Platino Industria forum in Madrid, where as president of Secuoya Studios, he advocated for Spain's emergence as "the Hollywood of Europe" through enhanced U.S.-European content production collaborations, emphasizing economic incentives and infrastructure to attract global filmmakers. This appearance underscored his ongoing commentary on transatlantic cultural exchanges, aligning with Fulbright-like goals of soft power diplomacy via media and entertainment, though it focused more on commercial opportunities than direct U.S. policy critiques. No further major public statements on U.S. foreign policy from Costos were reported in 2024-2025 media coverage beyond the Fulbright context.

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