President Donald Trump confirmed Monday he is considering removing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle amid mounting allegations of ethical violations, telling reporters the administration is not happy with her conduct. The potential firing comes after reports surfaced that both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are furious over claims involving improper financial dealings and influence peddling.
Serious Allegations Surface
The Wall Street Journal published a series of damaging allegations against Guilfoyle, including claims she asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing while allegedly promising access to administration officials. Additional accusations include threats involving the Greek government, promoting interests of a Greek construction and energy company, allowing lobbyists into private diplomatic meetings, and accepting improper gifts or services. A senior U.S. official revealed that Trump and Rubio were extremely upset by the reports and expected to decide her fate this week.
When asked about the situation before departing for an Ohio campaign rally Monday afternoon, Trump acknowledged the administration was looking at whether to fire Guilfoyle. His comments confirmed the seriousness of the allegations and the internal deliberations taking place at the highest levels of his administration.
Trump: Well, we’re looking at it. We’re not happy.
Rubio Defends Ambassador Publicly
Despite internal frustrations, Rubio publicly defended Guilfoyle during his visit to Greece last week, even as she stood nearby watching reporters question him. He criticized the media for treating anonymous source reporting as absolute truth, telling journalists they were wrong to assume every allegation was accurate. At a joint news conference with the Greek foreign minister, Rubio praised the embassy’s work and called Guilfoyle a strong ambassador, though he declined to address specific allegations while on foreign soil.
Guilfoyle has strongly denied all wrongdoing through her attorneys, who released a statement Sunday explaining the $100,000 she sought from the Trump donor was legitimate payment for public appearances and speaking engagements that occurred before her nomination. Her lawyers insisted she served with integrity and was evaluating legal remedies to collect the debt. They also defended her travel on private planes, stating she obtained and followed State Department guidance on travel regulations.
Investigation Looms
The State Department’s inspector general is reportedly examining the allegations, though officials have not confirmed whether a formal investigation has begun. Top Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and House Oversight Committee have already called for a full investigation. Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor once married to Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr., now faces uncertain prospects as the administration weighs her future in Athens.