U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle faces potential removal from her post as President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio weigh action following reports she sought a six-figure credit card bailout from a Trump donor. A senior U.S. official told The Associated Press that both Trump and Rubio are angry about Guilfoyle's reported conduct.
The White House expects a decision on Guilfoyle's status later this week. No official departure has been confirmed.
The scrutiny intensified after Guilfoyle asked Trump donor Eric Deters to pay off a $100,000 American Express bill, shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing. According to messages reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Guilfoyle urged Deters to wire the money directly to American Express and suggested the method would avoid a paper trail. She offered to help Deters gain access to senior Trump administration officials. Deters stated he never made the payment.
Jesse Binnall, Guilfoyle's attorney, disputed the authenticity of the messages.
These allegations compound earlier Journal reports of misconduct in Greece. One investigation detailed claims that Guilfoyle promoted the interests of Aktor Group, a Greek construction and energy company, and allowed Christos Marafatsos, Aktor Group's registered lobbyist, to accompany her to private diplomatic meetings with senior officials.
The Journal also reported that Guilfoyle suggested at a dinner with Greek officials that the U.S. would undermine their government, referencing political developments in Romania. Greece's foreign minister subsequently said there was no need to summon Guilfoyle for an explanation. The country's energy minister denied any threat had been made.
The State Department's Office of Inspector General opened an investigation into allegations involving Guilfoyle covering her treatment of embassy employees, private travel, acceptance of gifts and relationships with business interests, according to reports.
