Guilfoyle's future in Athens in doubt as Trump, Rubio weigh dismissal: Reports
Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle after a series of reports alleging improper and possibly illegal conduct, a senior U.S. official told The Associated Press (AP) on Sunday.
The official said Trump and Rubio were extremely angry about Guilfoyle's reported conduct and would likely decide what action to take this week, after Monday's Columbus Day holiday.
A person familiar with the matter told CNN that Trump is expected to decide soon.
The allegations, first reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), include a claim that Guilfoyle told guests the U.S. could undermine the Greek government, and they surfaced as Rubio visited Athens last week for talks on defense, energy and the disputed Greece-Greek Cyprus power cable.
Rubio 'particularly angry' over Athens visit
Rubio was particularly angry because Guilfoyle attended most of his events in Athens last week and greeted him on arrival with a bear hug as the allegations swirled, the official told AP.
Rubio had defended her on Wednesday. "Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here," he said. But on Thursday, he berated journalists asking about the reports. "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," Rubio said as Guilfoyle looked on.
Asked Friday about the allegations, Trump offered no defense. "I just heard about it. Too bad. I mean, I don’t know," he told CNN. "I just heard a little bit about it. I don’t know too much, but she was always very nice."
Guilfoyle allegations: $100,000 bill, gifts, access
The Journal reported, citing text messages, that Guilfoyle asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill just before her confirmation hearing, promising access to administration officials.
Former donor Eric Deters told CNN he did not send the money because he lacked liquid assets.
The Journal also reported that Guilfoyle promoted the interests of a Greek construction and energy company, let its lobbyist into private diplomatic meetings and accepted improper gifts and services.
The Daily Mail reported she had alienated embassy staff.
The State Department’s inspector general is looking into the allegations, a second U.S. official said. Top Democrats Rep. Gregory Meeks, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Robert Garcia have called for an investigation.
Lawyers: Guilfoyle served 'with integrity'
Guilfoyle’s lawyers, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, denied wrongdoing, saying the money she sought was payment for earlier public appearances and speaking engagements. They said she "sought, obtained and followed State Department guidance" before each private plane trip.
"Ambassador Guilfoyle has served, and will continue to serve, with integrity, honor and distinction. We are evaluating all available legal remedies to collect this debt and any other potential causes of action," they said.
A lawyer told the Journal that Guilfoyle disputed the authenticity of the text messages.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he would not "try people in the court of public opinion."
"Of course I don’t like anybody selling access to another government official, certainly a high-level government official," he said, adding, "Let’s see what the truth is. And obviously, if there was something bad that happened, then people have to suffer consequences for it," he said, as Guilfoyle's position at Athen's post remains uncertain.
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