The short version
- President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly considering firing US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following multiple allegations of misconduct.
- Reports detail accusations including threats to host officials, acceptance of improper gifts, and leveraging influence for personal financial gain.
- Democratic lawmakers have demanded an investigation while the State Department inspector general reviews the complaints amid growing internal frustration.
The White House and the State Department are reportedly weighing the dismissal of Kimberly Guilfoyle, the United States ambassador to Greece, after a series of allegations emerged regarding her conduct in Athens. Senior administration officials indicate that both President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are deeply frustrated by the reports, which suggest improper and potentially illegal actions taken before and during her tenure. A decision on personnel action is expected this week, following a federal holiday pause in deliberations.
The allegations, first detailed by the Wall Street Journal in late September, have intensified significantly. Reports claim Guilfoyle threatened to undermine the Greek government during a reception, promoted specific business interests of a Greek construction and energy firm, and allowed lobbyists into private diplomatic meetings. Additional accounts allege she accepted improper gifts and services while in office.
One particularly contentious report involves financial dealings prior to her confirmation hearing. According to text messages cited by journalists, Guilfoyle allegedly asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill in exchange for access to administration officials. This incident has drawn sharp criticism and appears to have exacerbated tensions within the State Department.
Secretary Rubio’s reaction has shifted from public defense to visible anger. Initially, he praised Guilfoyle as a strong ambassador after the first wave of reports. However, as new allegations surfaced while he was visiting Athens, his demeanor changed. He recently rebuked journalists for questioning him on unconfirmed stories, emphasizing that he would not respond to claims he could not verify personally.
Internal sources describe Rubio as particularly upset because Guilfoyle greeted him with a bear hug upon his arrival in Athens and attended most of his events, despite the swirling controversy. The contrast between her public support for the secretary and the private allegations has created an awkward dynamic within the diplomatic mission.
The State Department’s inspector general is currently reviewing the complaints. While it remains unclear whether a formal investigation has been launched, inspectors general often conduct informal inquiries into staff misconduct. These preliminary steps can lead to disciplinary actions ranging from reprimands to dismissal, depending on the severity and verification of the claims.
Democratic leaders in Congress have already called for a thorough investigation. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, top Democrats on foreign affairs committees, along with Representative Robert Garcia, have demanded scrutiny into Guilfoyle’s actions. Their calls reflect broader concerns about accountability within the diplomatic corps.
Guilfoyle has not publicly addressed the specific allegations. Her legal team maintains that she has done nothing wrong, and the US embassy in Athens has offered tacit support for her position. However, reports from British media suggest she has alienated embassy staff and pushed boundaries of appropriate behavior for a top diplomatic representative.
The situation highlights the challenges of managing high-profile political appointments within the foreign service. Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and California prosecutor, was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr. Her appointment drew attention from the start, and the current controversy underscores the scrutiny faced by ambassadors with close ties to the administration.
As the week progresses, the administration faces pressure to resolve the matter decisively. The outcome will signal how seriously the White House and State Department take allegations of misconduct among their diplomatic envoys. Observers will watch closely for any official statements or personnel changes that emerge from these internal deliberations.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Trump and Rubio weigh firing Kimberly Guilfoyle after reports of improper conduct
