President Donald Trump stated that he is weighing the removal of U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following reports alleging improper conduct.
Trump and Rubio Weigh Ambassador’s Future
President Donald Trump acknowledged that his administration is looking at
firing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, following a series of published allegations concerning her conduct before and during her diplomatic posting in Athens. Speaking at the White House, Trump told reporters that administration officials are not happy with the situation as scrutiny intensifies around the envoy.
A senior U.S. official indicated that both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are extremely pissed off by the reported behavior. According to reports, administration leaders will likely decide on possible personnel actions following the Columbus Day holiday.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso added that he is sure there will be an investigation conducted by the State Department, while noting that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will exercise oversight and look into the matter.
Credit Card Allegations and Diplomatic Receptions
The controversy stems from investigative reports published by the Wall Street Journal since late September.
Additional reports indicated that Guilfoyle told reception guests the United States could undermine the Greek government if it chose to. Coverage also pointed to her promotion of a specific Greek construction and energy company, allowing its lobbyist into private diplomatic meetings, making outrageous Champagne demands, and reacting angrily when she was not invited to a Greek-themed event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Legal Defense and Official Responses
Legal representatives for the ambassador denied any wrongdoing. Attorneys David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall stated that funds requested from the Trump donor represented payment for prior public appearances and speaking engagements predating her nomination. Her lawyers also maintained that private travel arrangements followed Department travel regulations and guidance. Legal counsel added that they are evaluating all available legal remedies to collect this debt and any other potential causes of action.
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. That’s not the way we do things.
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
Inspector General Examines Complaints Against Ambassador
A second U.S. official confirmed that the State Department’s Office of Inspector General is looking into the complaints, though officials could not confirm if a formal investigation had officially opened. State Department officials noted that inspectors general often conduct informal inquiries into complaints against staffers that may not result in full investigations or disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal.
Meanwhile, key lawmakers including Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., the ranking member on the House Committee for Oversight and Government Reform, have called for an investigation into Guilfoyle. Whether the State Department Office of Inspector General will open a formal investigation has not been answered.
