US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering firing US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle over reports of improper, possibly illegal, conduct during her tenure. A senior US official said they are “extremely unhappy” with Guilfoyle’s actions and plan to decide after Monday’s Columbus Day holiday.
Rubio is particularly upset, as he recently visited Athens and Guilfoyle attended most of his events. The Wall Street Journal reported allegations against Guilfoyle, including threats to a host country official, accepting improper gifts, and offering to use her influence to settle a credit card bill. While her lawyer asserts she did nothing wrong, Rubio has avoided commenting on the growing allegations. After initially defending her, he expressed frustration with journalists asking about the situation, saying he couldn’t confirm the claims.
“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,” Rubio said at the foot of his plane as Guilfoyle, who was there to see him depart, looked on.
An official reported that Rubio grew increasingly frustrated as allegations against Guilfoyle multiplied. A second US official, speaking anonymously, said the State Department’s inspector general is looking into the allegations the Journal first reported last month. It is unclear whether a formal investigation has begun. Informal inquiries by inspectors general often do not lead to full investigations or disciplinary action.
Top Democrats, including Rep. Gregory Meeks and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, have called for an investigation into Guilfoyle. The Journal has detailed instances of her questionable conduct, including claims that she suggested the US could undermine the Greek government, promoted the interests of a specific Greek company, and allowed its lobbyist into private meetings.
While Rubio was in Athens, Guilfoyle reportedly asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing, promising access to administration officials. She boasted about luxury travel with executives from an energy company. Additionally, The Daily Mail reported that she had alienated embassy staff in Athens, pushing the boundaries of acceptable conduct for a US representative.
Guilfoyle is a former Fox News host and California prosecutor who was previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
