Full Breakdown
Trump and Rubio Weigh Dismissal of U.S. Ambassador to Greece Amid Misconduct Allegations
By Drooid · · How we work
The Decision at Hand
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly considering whether to remove Kimberly Guilfoyle from her post as U.S. ambassador to Greece. A senior U.S. official said both officials are “extremely pissed off” by reports alleging improper conduct and that a decision could be made after the Columbus Day holiday. The ambassador has not publicly responded.
Background of the Allegations
The Wall Street Journal has published stories since late September describing alleged misconduct by Guilfoyle while she served in Athens. Reported actions include:
- Requesting a Trump donor, Eric Deters, to wire $100,000 to cover a credit-card bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing.
- Promoting the interests of Greek construction and energy firm Aktor Group and allowing its lobbyist, Christos Marafatsos, to attend private diplomatic meetings.
- Threatening a Greek government official and suggesting the United States could undermine the Greek government.
- Accepting lavish gifts and private-plane travel while asserting compliance with State Department travel regulations.
The allegations have been echoed by The Daily Mail, The Hill and other outlets.
Data & Financial Claims
- $100,000 request: Text-message evidence cited by the Journal shows Guilfoyle asking Deters to pay the amount, promising access to senior administration officials.
- Gift and travel claims: Reports describe luxury trips to France and the World Economic Forum in Davos allegedly funded by Greek tycoons.
- Lobbying activity: The Journal links Guilfoyle to efforts that advanced Aktor Group’s interests in the Balkans.
Guilfoyle’s attorneys, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, contend the $100,000 was payment for pre-nomination speaking engagements and that all private-plane trips followed State Department guidance.
Official Statements & Responses
- President Trump said, “I just heard about it. Too bad. I mean, I don’t know,” adding that Guilfoyle “was always very nice.”
- Secretary Rubio initially defended the ambassador, stating, “Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here.”
- Vice President JD Vance cautioned against premature judgment, urging, “Let’s actually see what the facts are. Let’s see what the truth is.”
- Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso described the reports as “very troubling.”
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic members of Congress have called for formal investigations. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) urged the State Department to examine the allegations. The House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees have signaled intent to review the matter.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Inspector General status: Two anonymous officials said the State Department’s Office of Inspector General is “looking into” the allegations, but could not confirm whether a formal investigation has been launched.
- Message authenticity: Deters claims the texts are genuine; Guilfoyle’s attorney disputes their authenticity, suggesting they may have been fabricated. No independent verification has been presented.
- Scope of alleged threats: The Journal reported Guilfoyle suggested the U.S. could undermine Greece, yet Greece’s foreign minister said no formal explanation was required and the energy minister denied any threat was made.