President Trump and Secretary Rubio are reportedly weighing the dismissal of Kimberly Guilfoyle from her diplomatic post in Athens. This potential move follows several allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety involving the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
The $100,000 Amex request and the Deters connection
The most serious allegation involves a request for a $100,000 payment to settle an American Express bill. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Kimberly Guilfoyle allegedly approached Trump donor Eric Deters with this request just before her Senate confirmation. The report claims she promised Deters access to senior administration officials in exchange for wiring the funds directly to the credit card company to avoid a paper trail.
While Deters stated he never made the payment and attorney Jesse Binnall has disputed the authenticity of the messages, the incident has become a focal point for critics. Such "pay-to-play" allegations suggest a pattern of behavior that could have significant implications for the administration's reputation and diplomatic integrity.
Alleged favoritism for Aktor Group and the Mykonos ice incident
Kimberly Guilfoyle faces scrutiny for her relationship with Greek business interests, specifically the Aktor Group. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Ambassador allegedly allowed the company's lobbyist, Christos Marafatsos, to join private diplomatic meetings with senior officials. Guilfoyle also reportedly expressed frustration over being excluded from a World Economic Forum event in Davos,Switzerland, where she allegedly boasted about luxury travel with energy executives .
This pattern of behavior extends to her management of the U.S. embassy staff in Athens. According to reports from the Daily Mail, the Ambassador allegedly fostered a hostile workplace, even demoting security personnel for minor infractions, such as a failure to secure ice during her vacation in Mykonos. These reports paint a picture of an embassy environment characterized by volatility and favoritism.
Marco Rubio's shift from "bear hugs" to silence
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has moved from public defense to a more guarded position regarding the Ambassador's conduct. Following a recent visit to Athens, where Rubio was seen greeting Guilfoyle warmly with a "bear hug," the Secretary has declined to comment on the specific allegations.. As the Daily Mail reported, Rubio previously defended her as a "strong ambassador," but he recently brushed off journalists' inquiries at the foot of his plane.
This tension comes as Congressional Democrats, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representative Gregory Meeks, demand a formal review of her actions. Vice President JD Vance has also weighed in, suggesting that the administration should wait for the facts to emerge before determining if consequences are necessary.. The administration's response will likely hinge on whether these reports are substantiated by official findings.
Will the State Department Inspector General launch a formal probe?
The ultimate fate of Kimberly Guilfoyle depends on the findings of the State Department's Office of Inspector General. While the Inspector General's office has declined to confirm an active investigation, the Daily Mail reports that an inquiry into her treatment of employees and acceptance of gifts may be underway. It remains unclear if the investigation will transition from an informal inquiry to a formal disciplinary process.
The administration has yet to confirm if President Trump or Secretary Rubio will act on the reports immediately following the Columbus Day holiday. Until a formal determination is made, the U.S. mission in Greece remains in a state of high-level uncertainty.
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