Trump, Rubio Consider Firing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Over Alleged Misconduct

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering dismissing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following a series of reports alleging improper and possibly illegal conduct during her tenure in Athens. According to a senior U.S. official speaking anonymously, Trump and Rubio are "extremely pissed off" by the allegations and are likely to decide on action this week, after the Columbus Day holiday on Monday.

The Wall Street Journal has documented multiple allegations against Guilfoyle since late September, including an alleged threat to a Greek government official, acceptance of improper gifts and services, allowing a lobbyist into private diplomatic meetings, promoting a particular Greek construction and energy company's business interests, and offering to use her influence within the administration in exchange for payment of a $100,000 credit card bill from a Trump donor. Guilfoyle's lawyer has denied wrongdoing, and the U.S. embassy in Athens has tacitly expressed support for her.

Rubio's frustration appears to have intensified following his visit to Athens last week, during which Guilfoyle attended most or all of his events and greeted him with a bear hug as allegations circulated. Initially defending Guilfoyle after the first report, Rubio later declined public comment on growing allegations and on Thursday rebuked journalists for asking about them, stating he could not confirm the reports and objecting to their publication.

The State Department's inspector general is reviewing the allegations, though it remains unclear whether a formal investigation has begun. Informal inquiries often do not lead to full investigations or disciplinary action. Three senior Democrats—Rep. Gregory Meeks (New York), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), and Rep. Robert Garcia (California)—have called for an investigation into Guilfoyle. The State Department has declined to comment on the inspector general review.