Trump and Rubio Weigh Removing Guilfoyle as Greece Ambassador

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering possible disciplinary action against Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, following multiple reports alleging financial impropriety and questionable diplomatic conduct. A senior U.S. official told The Guardian on Sunday, Oct. 11, that the administration could decide how to proceed during the week following Monday's federal holiday.

The allegations, detailed primarily by The Wall Street Journal since late September, include claims that Guilfoyle sought financial assistance from a Republican donor in exchange for political access, accepted improper gifts and services, and threatened a Greek official. The State Department's inspector general is also examining the allegations, although a second U.S. official could not confirm whether a formal investigation had begun.

The senior official described Trump's and Rubio's reaction to the reports as one of intense anger, saying they were “extremely pissed off” by the ambassador's reported conduct. Rubio's frustration reportedly increased as additional allegations emerged, particularly after his recent visit to Athens, during which Guilfoyle attended his events.

Rubio initially defended the ambassador during his visit to Greece, emphasizing her performance in the role.

“Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here,” Rubio said on Wednesday.

After another report appeared later that day, Rubio challenged journalists who questioned him about the allegations before departing Athens on Thursday. Guilfoyle was present as he addressed reporters near his aircraft.

“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.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Guilfoyle had asked Republican donor Eric Deters to pay a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing, allegedly offering access to administration officials in return. Deters said he had given Guilfoyle $300,000 over the years but refused the latest request because it could jeopardize his marriage.

According to the report, Guilfoyle sent Deters a text message pressing him to transfer the money.

“Honey please I need you to get this done for me today,” Guilfoyle allegedly wrote.

The reporting also described promises of introductions to administration figures, including musician Kid Rock, and assistance with personal tax and legal matters. The phrase “personal tax and legal issues” appeared in the account of the alleged favors Deters was offered.

Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that Guilfoyle became angry after initially being excluded from a Greek-themed dinner at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, organized for Eric Trump. She subsequently secured an invitation, according to the newspaper.

“You don't have the f—ing US, you know, ambassador to Greece not come. She should be kissing my f—ing ass,” Guilfoyle reportedly said about the event's organizer, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper also reported that Guilfoyle discussed her relationships with wealthy Greek business figures while describing luxury travel in Europe.

“He loves me. Honey, I spent Christmas with him. New Years.

OK? Gstaad. Like, everywhere,” she reportedly said.

Another Wall Street Journal report alleged that Guilfoyle had told guests at a reception that the United States could undermine the Greek government if it chose to do so. The newspaper also reported that she promoted a Greek construction and energy company's interests and permitted its lobbyist to attend private diplomatic meetings.

Trump addressed the controversy briefly on Friday, according to Mother Jones, saying he had only recently learned about the reports.

“I just heard about it. Too bad,” Trump told reporters.

He also offered a limited assessment of Guilfoyle, who was previously engaged to his son Donald Trump Jr.

“I don't know too much, but she was always very nice,” Trump said.

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News Channel host and California prosecutor, has not directly addressed the allegations. Her lawyer has maintained that she did nothing wrong, while the U.S. Embassy in Athens has expressed support for her.

The allegations have also drawn calls for congressional scrutiny. Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Representative Robert Garcia of California, all Democrats serving in senior oversight positions, have called for an investigation. The State Department has declined to comment on the possibility of an inspector general inquiry.