Donald Trump has said his administration is considering removing Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece following a series of reports of alleged irregularities before and after her appointment.
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“Yes, we are not happy,” the U.S. president said at the White House on Monday, commenting on the situation involving the ambassador in Athens.
CNN reports that Trump could decide Guilfoyle’s future soon. Meanwhile, the State Department’s Office of Inspector General, or OIG, has begun reviewing allegations of misconduct, according to sources cited by the network.
The case drew renewed attention after Wall Street Journal articles raised questions about whether Guilfoyle may have used her political connections and diplomatic position for private gain.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the ambassador allegedly asked Eric Dieters, one of Trump’s donors, for $100,000 to pay off an American Express credit card debt. In return, she is alleged to have promised him access to U.S. government officials.
The reports also describe diplomatic meetings allegedly attended by lobbyists, as well as private jet travel and luxury stays allegedly paid for by Greek businessmen.
The allegations have not been proven. Guilfoyle’s lawyers have rejected claims of wrongdoing and disputed the suggestion that her financial dealings amounted to an exchange of services for political influence.
Jesse Binnall and David M. Schwartz, the ambassador’s lawyers, said that Dieters actually owes her about $150,000 for professional services provided before she took up her diplomatic post.
Her lawyers said the outstanding payments relate to speaking engagements, consulting and strategic communications work during 2024 and early 2025.
According to the lawyers, Dieters contracted Guilfoyle to be the keynote speaker at “Freedom Fest” events in Kentucky for a fee of $200,000. They say the payments were not made in full by the agreed deadlines and that part of the amount remains unpaid.
The lawyers insist the request for payment had nothing to do with any attempt to exert political influence. They say Guilfoyle was simply seeking money owed to her for work performed before her appointment to public office.
Their statement also mentions an offer of $1 million. According to the defense, Dieters proposed that amount for promoting a private medical malpractice lawsuit and bringing the case to the attention of U.S. officials, but the proposal was rejected.
The lawyers also denied the allegations concerning private jet use. They said Guilfoyle had sought and received guidance from the State Department about her travel.
Her lawyers say the ambassador has complied with federal rules on ethics, accepting gifts and reporting expenses. However, their statement did not provide details about specific flights or how the costs were paid.
Associated Press reported that Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering removing Guilfoyle from her post in Athens. A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said both were extremely angry about the recent revelations and that a decision on the next steps could be made within the week.
Rubio is said to be particularly concerned because he visited Athens last week and was welcomed by Guilfoyle, who accompanied him during public events.
The controversy has widened following further Wall Street Journal reports about a dinner attended by Greek and American officials. At that meeting, Guilfoyle allegedly made comments about the possibility of U.S. intervention in a country’s political developments.
Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou has denied that threats or pressure against Greece were discussed at the dinner. Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis and New Democracy secretary Kostas Kyranakis have taken the same position.
As the investigation continues, it remains unclear whether Kimberly Guilfoyle will remain at the head of the U.S. Embassy in Athens. The Trump administration’s decision will determine whether she continues her term or leaves office amid the recent allegations and controversy.
