Elina Shiraz, a journalist for the Daily Mail, has shared details about Kimberly Guilfoyle’s departure from her role as U.S. ambassador to Greece. According to Shiraz, Guilfoyle had been informed that the end of her term was being prepared.
Shiraz said the ambassador realized this when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Athens a few days earlier.
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“She hugged him and seemed powerful and confident, but sources behind the scenes told me she knew she was going to leave,” the journalist said in an interview with ERT television. She added that the decision was made within two days.
The journalist said she had received many complaints and materials, including messages and audio recordings, from people in Greece and the United States. According to her, the information showed that there was dissatisfaction in diplomatic circles, too.
Shiraz explained that the question she asked White House spokesperson Katie Zacharia was not intended to prompt an immediate announcement about Guilfoyle’s departure. She wanted to understand whether the U.S. administration planned to act on the allegations that had been published.
The journalist later put the same question to President Donald Trump, who, according to her, tried to avoid addressing the issue.
Guilfoyle’s departure came after media reports about her conduct and ties to Greek businesspeople. Articles have also raised concerns about her use of private planes for travel and attendance at social events, with businesspeople allegedly covering the costs.
Guilfoyle and her lawyers have denied the allegations. They said she had disclosed her activities to the U.S. Department of State and complied with the rules in force.
Reports say the State Department is reviewing the matter, but it is still unclear whether the process will become a formal investigation by the inspector general.
One issue that remains to be resolved following her departure is the appointment of a successor. Until then, responsibilities at the U.S. Embassy in Athens will be handled by chargé d’affaires Joshua Haque.
However, Elina Shiraz believes Guilfoyle’s departure will not affect relations between Greece and the United States.
