US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly considering removing Kimberly Guilfoyle from her position as US ambassador to Greece following a series of allegations involving possible misconduct, according to an Associated Press report published on Monday.
The accusations have raised concerns within the administration, with reports suggesting that Guilfoyle’s conduct may have crossed ethical and legal boundaries expected of a senior American diplomatic representative.
Among the claims are allegations that she sought $100,000 from a Trump donor in exchange for access to administration officials, promoted private business interests, helped facilitate lobbying opportunities for a Greek energy company and accepted expensive gifts. She has also been accused of creating a hostile working environment.
The allegations have reportedly angered senior officials in Washington, placing the ambassador’s future under increasing scrutiny.
Alleged Financial Dealings and Links to Greek Business Leaders
Reports have also raised questions about Guilfoyle’s relationships with wealthy Greek business figures and the benefits she may have received from those connections.
According to Fox News, Guilfoyle reportedly spoke about her close relationships with Greek tycoons at the World Economic Forum in Davos, allegedly describing individuals who were financing her expensive international trips.
The claims have added to concerns about whether her personal and professional relationships were consistent with the standards expected of a US ambassador.
One of the most serious allegations concerns leaked text messages in which Guilfoyle reportedly sought $100,000 from a Trump donor. However, her legal representatives have rejected the suggestion that the request involved selling access to government officials.
They maintain that the money was intended as payment for public appearances and speaking engagements arranged before she became ambassador.
Rubio Reportedly Frustrated as Controversy Deepens
Rubio, who initially defended Guilfoyle against the allegations, has reportedly become increasingly frustrated as additional reports emerged.
A senior US official told the Associated Press that both Trump and Rubio were extremely angry about the situation, with the secretary of state particularly displeased.
The reported frustration intensified after Rubio’s recent visit to Athens, where Guilfoyle attended his official engagements and greeted him warmly upon his arrival, even as the allegations continued to circulate.
Rubio had previously pushed back against the reports, questioning the credibility of information provided by unnamed sources to journalists.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he argued that allegations published in the media should not automatically be treated as established facts. A day earlier, he had described Guilfoyle as a strong ambassador.
Nevertheless, the growing number of reports appears to have complicated the administration’s response to the controversy.
State Department Inspector General Reportedly Examining Claims
The US State Department’s inspector general is reportedly examining the allegations against Guilfoyle, although it remains unclear whether a formal investigation has been opened.
The distinction is significant because the claims have not been conclusively established, and an official inquiry could help determine whether any rules or laws were violated.
Guilfoyle’s lawyers have strongly defended her conduct, particularly regarding reports of travel aboard private aircraft.
They said she sought and received guidance from the State Department and complied with the department’s travel regulations before each trip.
Her legal team also insisted that the ambassador had served with integrity and distinction, adding that they were considering legal options to recover the alleged debt and pursue any other potential claims.
Guilfoyle herself has not directly addressed the full range of allegations in the reports, according to Fox News.
Trump Offers Limited Defence of His Ambassador
Trump has also responded cautiously to questions about the controversy, offering little indication of whether he intends to stand by Guilfoyle or remove her from the diplomatic post.
Asked by CNN about the reports, the president said he had only recently heard about the situation and did not know many of the details. He added that Guilfoyle had always been very nice to him.
His response has left uncertainty about the administration’s next move, particularly as the allegations threaten to become a political embarrassment for the president and his allies.
CNN reported that some Trump allies view the episode as damaging, especially because the president has repeatedly expressed opposition to people using their relationships with him for personal financial gain.
The allegations could therefore test the administration’s approach to questions of ethics, accountability and access to senior government officials.
JD Vance Calls for Facts and Possible Consequences
Vice President JD Vance has also weighed in, expressing opposition to the idea of individuals selling access to senior government figures.
Vance said he did not support anyone charging for access to another government official, particularly someone holding a senior position.
However, he cautioned against reaching a final judgment before the facts had been established, indicating that the allegations should be examined properly.
He added that if wrongdoing were confirmed, those responsible should face the appropriate consequences.
His remarks appeared to leave the door open for an investigation while underscoring the administration’s concerns about the potential misuse of political relationships.
Guilfoyle’s Appointment and Diplomatic Future
Guilfoyle assumed her position as US ambassador to Greece in November 2025 after Trump nominated her for the role in 2024. She is the first woman to hold the position.
Before her diplomatic appointment, she was widely known for her political connections and her former engagement to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son.
Her appointment placed her in a prominent diplomatic role at a time when relations with Greece remained strategically important to the United States.
It is not yet clear whether Trump and Rubio will move to remove her or allow her to remain in office while the allegations are examined.
For now, the reported consideration of her dismissal signals that the controversy has reached a level that could have significant consequences for her diplomatic career, depending on what further scrutiny establishes.
