Trump weighs removing US ambassador to Greece over allegations

On 13 October, US President Donald Trump said he was weighing the removal of Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece after reports accused her of misconduct that may have been unlawful, both before and while she served in Athens. Trump said the administration was reviewing the matter and was unhappy, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he did not know whether the allegations were true. ¹³⁵²

Reported allegations

The Wall Street Journal, as cited by several outlets, reported allegations that Guilfoyle sought to exchange access to administration officials for payment of a $100,000 credit-card bill by a Trump donor. The Journal also reportedly alleged that she threatened a host-country official, accepted improper gifts and services, and promoted the business interests of a Greek construction and energy company. These allegations have not been independently established in the dossier. ¹²

The reported conduct also included an allegation that Guilfoyle told an Athens official that the United States could topple the Greek government. The Journal was further reported to have described recordings in which Guilfoyle discussed connections with Greek business figures who financed luxury travel and private-jet flights. ¹

Guilfoyle’s lawyers denied wrongdoing in connection with the alleged donor payment and private-plane travel. They said Eric Deters owed her about $150,000 for speaking engagements and consulting work, and disputed the allegation that seeking payment was corrupt. Her lawyer said that “she did nothing wrong.” ¹²³

Administration response

Trump and Rubio were considering what action to take, including possible dismissal, according to reports on 11 October. A senior US official, speaking anonymously about internal deliberations, said both men were highly angered by the reported conduct and were likely to decide on a response during the week; the official said Rubio was particularly angry. ²³⁴

Rubio, who had visited Athens shortly before the reports emerged, said Guilfoyle had been a strong ambassador. However, he told reporters that news accounts should not be accepted as fact unless they are verified. It’s not the gospel. It’s not the gospel for me. He said that was not how the administration handled such matters.” ²⁴

The State Department inspector general was reportedly looking into the allegations, although it was unclear whether a formal investigation had been opened. Democratic chairs of the Senate and House committees responsible for foreign affairs likewise urged the State Department to examine Guilfoyle’s actions in Greece. ¹²

Guilfoyle’s position in Athens

Guilfoyle was appointed envoy to Athens in December 2024. Reports said Guilfoyle welcomed Rubio on his arrival in Greece and appeared at nearly every event during his recent trip. The US embassy in Athens was reported to have expressed tacit support for her. ¹²⁴

Trump’s on-the-record remarks followed reporting that his administration was weighing Guilfoyle’s removal. His public comment did not set out a decision or a timetable for her possible departure. ¹⁵