US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering removing Kimberly Guilfoyle from her position as the US ambassador to Greece following reports alleging misconduct before and during her diplomatic assignment in Athens.
A senior US official disclosed on Sunday that both men were angered by the allegations and could decide on the ambassador’s future this week, after Monday’s Columbus Day holiday.
The official, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitive nature of internal discussions, said Trump and Rubio were “extremely pissed off” over Guilfoyle’s reported conduct.
Rubio was said to be particularly displeased, especially as he had visited Athens the previous week. Guilfoyle attended most, if not all, of his engagements during the trip and welcomed him with a bear hug upon his arrival, even as the allegations surrounding her continued to attract attention.
The controversy follows a series of reports by The Wall Street Journal detailing allegations of questionable conduct by the ambassador.
The reports included claims that Guilfoyle threatened an official in her host country, accepted gifts and services deemed improper, and offered to use her influence within the Trump administration in exchange for payment of a substantial credit card bill.
Guilfoyle has not directly responded to the reports. However, her legal representatives issued a statement late Sunday rejecting claims that she had engaged in wrongdoing.
Her lawyers, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, argued that the money she reportedly sought from a Trump donor was owed to her for services rendered before her nomination as ambassador. They said the payment related to public appearances and speaking engagements that had previously gone unpaid.
The lawyers also dismissed allegations concerning Guilfoyle’s use of private aircraft for travel, maintaining that she complied with the relevant rules and sought the necessary guidance from the US State Department before each trip.
They said Guilfoyle had “sought, obtained and followed State Department guidance and followed the Department’s travel regulations.
In their statement, the lawyers defended her record in office and indicated that they were considering legal action to recover the money they said was owed to her.
“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,” the lawyers said.
The allegations have placed Guilfoyle’s position under scrutiny as senior administration officials reportedly consider their response. However, the claims remain allegations, and her lawyers have denied that she acted improperly.
It remains unclear what decision Trump and Rubio will make regarding her diplomatic appointment following the holiday.
