The White House and the State Department are reportedly on edge after a cascade of stories detailed alleged misconduct by Kimberly Guilfoyle the U.S. ambassador to Greece. Sources close to the administration say President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are “extremely angry” and intend to decide on disciplinary action within the week following the Columbus Day holiday.
According to multiple reports, the ambassador is accused of leveraging her position to solicit a six-figure payment from a Trump donor, promising the benefactor privileged access to senior administration officials. Text messages purportedly show Guilfoyle urging the donor to wire $100,000 directly to a credit-card company, claiming the transaction would leave no paper trail. Her legal counsel rejects the authenticity of the messages, but the allegations have already sparked a wave of scrutiny.
Allegations against ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle
Investigative accounts list several incidents that paint a picture of a diplomat operating beyond the accepted norms of the foreign service. One report claims Guilfoyle threatened a Greek government official during a private dinner, suggesting the United States could undermine the Greek administration if it chose to. Another story details her allowing a lobbyist from the Greek construction and energy firm Aktor Group into closed-door meetings with senior U.S. officials, effectively granting the company a back-channel to Washington.
Further complaints describe a hostile workplace at the Athens embassy. Former staff members allege that Guilfoyle threatened to fire employees who questioned her decisions and demoted members of her security detail over minor infractions, such as a delayed response to a request for ice during a vacation in Mykonos. These accounts suggest a pattern of behavior that may violate the inspector general standards for diplomatic conduct.
Political reaction and possible dismissal
Secretary Rubio, who visited Athens just last week, expressed visible frustration when questioned about the reports. While he initially praised the ambassador as “strong,” he later rebuked reporters, saying, “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 for me.” The comment was made at the foot of his plane as Guilfoyle watched his departure.
President Trump, who nominated Guilfoyle in December 2024, has not spoken publicly about the allegations, but senior officials indicate that both he and Rubio are leaning toward termination. A senior source said a decision is likely to be taken after the Monday holiday, though no formal announcement has been made.
Investigations and congressional pressure
The State Department’s Office of the Inspector General has reportedly opened an inquiry into the ambassador’s conduct. While the IG has not confirmed whether the probe is formal or informal, such investigations can culminate in disciplinary action up to dismissal. The investigation is said to cover the alleged donor bailout, the acceptance of gifts, the treatment of embassy staff, and the possible breach of diplomatic protocol.
Congressional Democrats have already demanded a thorough review. Representative Gregory Meeks of New York and Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, along with House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia, have publicly called for an investigation and suggested that Guilfoyle be removed if the accusations are substantiated. Vice President J.D. Vance cautioned against a rush to judgment but affirmed that any proven misconduct must have consequences.
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and California prosecutor who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., has not responded directly to the allegations. Her attorney maintains that she acted within the scope of her duties and that the messages cited by the press are fabricated. The unfolding drama highlights the tension between political patronage and the expectations of professional diplomatic conduct, and it remains to be seen whether the ambassador will retain her post or be recalled by the administration.
