Trump and Rubio Weigh Firing Guilfoyle After Donor Bailout Allegations

Key points

• Trump and Rubio are weighing Guilfoyle's removal after reports of misconduct and a donor bailout scheme.
• The Wall Street Journal reported that Guilfoyle asked donor Eric Deters to pay off a $100,000 American Express bill before her Senate confirmation hearing.
• Guilfoyle allegedly offered Deters access to senior administration officials in exchange for the payment, which he says he never made.
• The State Department's Office of Inspector General has opened an investigation into allegations of her treatment of embassy staff and acceptance of gifts.
• Guilfoyle's attorney, Jesse Binnall, disputes the authenticity of the messages and denies any wrongdoing.

Background

Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality and California prosecutor, was nominated by President Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to Greece in December 2024. She was previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr. for four years before splitting in December 2024. The current controversy follows a series of earlier reports in October 2026 detailing allegations of her conduct in Athens, including promoting the interests of Greek company Aktor Group and allowing its lobbyist to attend private diplomatic meetings. The latest reports have intensified scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News and The Daily Beast emphasize the anger of Trump and Rubio, citing a senior official who described them as 'extremely pissed off' and expecting a decision this week. CNN notes that Trump offered no defense of Guilfoyle when questioned by reporters, saying 'I just heard about it. Too bad. I mean, I don't know.' The New York Times highlights the reaction in Greece, where citizens expressed exasperation and cynicism, viewing the allegations as a sign of the limited leverage smaller nations have in U.S. diplomacy. Vice President JD Vance cautioned against rushing to judgment but acknowledged that misconduct should carry consequences. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited Greece this week, declined to address the allegations directly, though he had previously defended Guilfoyle's performance. Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Gregory Meeks, have called for her removal if the allegations are substantiated.

Why it matters

The potential firing of a senior administration appointee over allegations of a donor bailout scheme raises questions about the integrity of the Trump administration's diplomatic appointments and the boundaries of access-for-pay arrangements. The controversy also highlights tensions between the White House and the State Department, as well as the scrutiny faced by Trump allies who profit from their relationships with the president. The situation has drawn international attention, particularly in Greece, where the ambassador's conduct has been a source of embarrassment and frustration.

What to watch

A decision on Guilfoyle's fate is expected this week, following the Columbus Day holiday. The State Department's Office of Inspector General is expected to continue its investigation into her conduct. Democratic lawmakers are likely to press for a formal review of her actions, while the White House and State Department may issue statements or take action in response to the mounting pressure. The outcome of the investigation and the decision on Guilfoyle's position will likely have implications for the administration's approach to diplomatic appointments and donor relationships.