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 about her conduct before and during her diplomatic appointment.
A senior US official told reporters that Trump and Rubio were “extremely pissed off” about the reports and could decide on Guilfoyle’s future during the week following the Columbus Day holiday on Monday.
The official, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of internal discussions, said Rubio had become particularly frustrated as further allegations emerged during his recent visit to Athens.
Guilfoyle has not directly addressed the reports, but her lawyer has maintained that she did nothing wrong. The US Embassy in Athens has also appeared to signal support for her.
Allegations Put Ambassador Under Growing Pressure
The controversy has intensified since The Wall Street Journal began publishing reports in late September detailing alleged misconduct by Guilfoyle.
The allegations include claims that she threatened a Greek official, accepted improper gifts and services, and offered to use her influence within the Trump administration in exchange for help paying a substantial credit card bill.
The reports have also raised questions about her interactions with Greek business interests and her conduct at official diplomatic events.
None of these allegations, as presented in the reports, establishes that Guilfoyle has committed a crime. However, the growing scrutiny has placed her diplomatic position under pressure as senior officials consider their response.
Rubio’s Athens Visit Adds to the Tension
Rubio’s recent trip to Athens brought the controversy into sharper focus, with fresh allegations emerging while the secretary of state was in Greece.
Guilfoyle attended most, if not all, of his events and greeted him with a bear hug when he arrived, according to the account. The visit took place as questions about her conduct continued to circulate.
On Wednesday, Rubio offered a brief public defence of the ambassador, saying: “Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here.”
However, his response changed in tone after another report appeared later that day.
Before leaving Athens on Thursday, Rubio challenged journalists who questioned him about the allegations, arguing that media reports should not automatically be treated as established facts.
“You guys walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s the gospel. It’s not the gospel. It’s not the gospel for me,” he said.
Rubio added that he would not respond to allegations he could not confirm. Guilfoyle was present as he made the remarks at the foot of his plane.
According to the senior official, Rubio had become increasingly frustrated as the reports continued to multiply.
Vice President Vance Expresses Reservations
Vice President JD Vance has also faced questions about the allegations, although he stopped short of offering a definitive assessment.
Vance described the matter as hypothetical and said he did not know all the details surrounding the reports.
“Well, so… with that hypothetical, obviously I don’t love that, but I, you know, I don’t know exactly who you’re talking about,” he said.
He added that he was not familiar with the full circumstances, leaving the question of Guilfoyle’s future to the officials responsible for reviewing the matter.
His comments nevertheless indicated reservations about the reports concerning her spending and expenses.
State Department Inspector General Said to Be Reviewing Complaints
A second US official said the State Department’s inspector general was looking into the allegations against Guilfoyle.
The official could not confirm whether a formal investigation had begun. The distinction is significant because inspector general offices can conduct preliminary or informal inquiries into complaints before deciding whether a full investigation is warranted.
A formal investigation could potentially lead to disciplinary measures, including dismissal, depending on the findings.
The State Department has declined to comment on whether an inspector general investigation is under way.
The reports have prompted calls for further scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Representative Robert Garcia of California. They have called for an investigation into Guilfoyle’s conduct.
Reports Raise Questions About Diplomatic Meetings and Business Interests
One of the earlier Wall Street Journal reports alleged that Guilfoyle told guests at a reception that the United States could undermine the Greek government if it chose to do so.
The publication also reported that she promoted the interests of a Greek construction and energy company and allowed a lobbyist associated with the business to attend private diplomatic meetings.
Another report, citing text messages, alleged that Guilfoyle asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her confirmation hearing. According to the report, she offered access to administration officials in return.
The Journal also reported that Guilfoyle was angered after being excluded from a Greek-themed event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this year. The account included claims about luxury travel in France involving energy company executives.
These reports have added to questions about whether her private relationships and activities were consistent with the standards expected of a senior US diplomatic representative.
Embassy Staff and Lifestyle Also Come Under Scrutiny
Separate reporting by the Daily Mail has alleged that Guilfoyle alienated staff at the US Embassy in Athens and pushed the boundaries of acceptable conduct for an ambassador.
The publication has also reported complaints concerning her leadership style, corporate perks and demands for luxury Champagne.
Those allegations have contributed to a wider debate about her management of the embassy and her approach to the diplomatic role.
Guilfoyle has not directly responded to the full range of reported claims. Her lawyer has denied wrongdoing, while the embassy has appeared to offer tacit support.
Guilfoyle’s Appointment Followed High-Profile Split From Donald Trump Jr.
Guilfoyle’s appointment to Greece came after the highly publicised end of her engagement to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son.
The pair began dating during Trump’s first presidential term and were once prominent figures within the wider Trump family circle.
After photographs emerged of Trump Jr. with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, Trump announced in December that Guilfoyle would become the US ambassador to Greece.
The former Fox News personality subsequently embraced the diplomatic position, appearing at meetings with political leaders and ministers while also attending fashion events and art galas.
She has regularly shared aspects of her life in Athens with her nearly two million Instagram followers.
Guilfoyle’s Diplomatic Future Hangs in the Balance
The reported deliberations by Trump and Rubio suggest that Guilfoyle’s position could face a decisive moment in the coming days.
However, no dismissal has been confirmed, and the allegations remain subject to scrutiny. The status of any formal inspector general investigation is also unclear.
The outcome may depend on what the administration establishes about the reported conduct and whether officials determine that disciplinary action is warranted.
For now, Guilfoyle remains at the centre of a growing controversy that has raised questions about diplomatic standards, the use of political influence and the oversight of senior US officials serving abroad.
