US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on a report alleging improper and potentially illegal conduct by US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle before her confirmation. In a statement to reporters, Rubio avoided addressing the specific allegations in a Wall Street Journal article suggesting that Guilfoyle asked a donor and supporter of President Donald Trump to cover a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her confirmation hearing. In exchange, she purportedly offered access to administration officials.
Rubio remarked as he left Greece, where he delivered a speech urging European countries to reconnect with their civilisational roots. While Rubio acknowledged being aware of the Wall Street Journal report, published late Wednesday, he said he was uncertain of its credibility and chose not to comment further.
“You guys walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s the gospel. It’s not the gospel. It’s not the gospel for me. That’s not the way we do things,” he said at the foot of his plane as Guilfoyle, who was there to see him depart Greece, looked on.
During a joint news conference with the Greek foreign minister, Rubio stated that he would refrain from addressing the allegations while visiting a foreign country. Still, he added, “Suffice it to say our embassy here is doing a great job. Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here.”
The senior Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have requested an investigation into Guilfoyle. However, Rubio has not indicated whether he is prepared to pursue this matter further.
Congressional Democrats are reviewing allegations reported last month by The Wall Street Journal, which outlined concerns about Guilfoyle’s conduct during her tenure as the top US envoy to Greece. The report claims that Guilfoyle suggested at a reception that the US could undermine the Greek government if it chose to, promoted the interests of a specific Greek construction and energy company, and allowed its lobbyist to participate in private diplomatic meetings.
Guilfoyle, a former host at Fox News Channel and California prosecutor, has denied any wrongdoing, and Rubio has previously expressed his support for her.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
