President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering firing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following reports of improper conduct. Media investigations allege Guilfoyle offered administration access in exchange for paying a $100,000 credit card bill and promoted private commercial interests. State Department inspector general staff and Democratic lawmakers are reviewing the claims, while Greek residents express cynicism over the diplomatic fallout.
Consideration of Guilfoyle's dismissal
- ▪A senior U.S. official stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was particularly angry about The Wall Street Journal's reports of Guilfoyle's misconduct after visiting Athens during the week of October 5, 2026, where Kimberly Guilfoyle attended his official events
- ▪A senior U.S. official stated on October 11, 2026, that President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering firing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following improper conduct reports, likely deciding during the week following Columbus Day
Allegations of misconduct against Guilfoyle
- ▪Reporting by The Wall Street Journal detailed that Kimberly Guilfoyle told reception guests the U.S. could undermine the Greek government, promoted a Greek construction and energy company, and admitted the company's lobbyist into private diplomatic meetings
- ▪The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle offered to use her influence inside the Trump administration in exchange for a donor paying a $100,000 credit card bill prior to her confirmation hearing
- ▪Reporting by The Daily Mail stated that Kimberly Guilfoyle alienated embassy staff in Athens and pushed the boundaries of appropriate behavior for the top U.S. representative to Greece
- ▪The Wall Street Journal reported that Kimberly Guilfoyle boasted about luxury travel to France with energy executives and demanded to attend a World Economic Forum event in Davos after being excluded
Marco Rubio's public statements in Athens
- ▪Secretary of State Marco Rubio berated journalists in Athens on October 8, 2026, for asking about allegations reported by The Wall Street Journal against Kimberly Guilfoyle, stating he would not respond to unconfirmed reports
- ▪Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on October 7, 2026, in Athens that Kimberly Guilfoyle had been a strong ambassador
Potential State Department inspector general investigation
- ▪A U.S. official stated that the State Department's inspector general is looking into allegations reported by The Wall Street Journal of improper conduct by Kimberly Guilfoyle, though the official could not confirm if a formal investigation began
- ▪The State Department declined to comment publicly regarding a potential investigation by its inspector general into Kimberly Guilfoyle
Congressional calls for an investigation
- ▪Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Jeanne Shaheen serve as the top Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees respectively
- ▪Representative Gregory Meeks, Representative Robert Garcia, and Senator Jeanne Shaheen called for an investigation into U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle
Reactions from Greek residents
- ▪Greek residents interviewed in Athens expressed exasperation and cynicism following allegations that Kimberly Guilfoyle offered access to senior Trump administration officials in exchange for credit card payments
- ▪Athens resident Petros Malliaros stated that Greece is not a major power and must accept whichever diplomatic representatives the U.S. chooses to send
Debatable claims
- ▪Trump should fire Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece
- ▪Guilfoyle's reported access-for-payment offers justify a formal State Department investigation
- ▪Unconfirmed media reports are an insufficient basis for removing a confirmed ambassador
Story comments
Loading comments…