Trump and Rubio Weigh Firing U.S. Ambassador Guilfoyle Amid Corruption Scandal

Key points

• President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly weighing the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, according to an AP source.
• The decision follows new allegations that Guilfoyle asked Republican donor Eric Deters to pay her American Express bill in exchange for access to senior administration officials.
• Deters claims he paid Guilfoyle $300,000 over several years but refused a final request for $100,000, stating it would end his marriage.
• Greek citizens and officials have expressed exasperation and cynicism, viewing the scandal as evidence of the limited leverage smaller nations hold against the U.S.
• Trump responded to the allegations by stating, 'I just heard about it. Too bad,' while Rubio has refused to comment on the specific misconduct but reaffirmed support for the embassy.

Background

This controversy follows earlier reports in October 2026 regarding Guilfoyle's conduct, including a previous refusal by Rubio to address the scandal during a visit to Athens. The current situation escalates prior tensions, as Democratic leaders have formally requested an investigation into the ambassador's financial dealings.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times emphasizes the diplomatic fallout, highlighting Greek citizens' feelings of resignation and the perception that smaller nations are forced to endure misconduct from larger powers. Mother Jones focuses on the alleged corruption, detailing specific text messages where Guilfoyle used the word 'honey' to plead for funds and criticizing Trump's 'ice-cold' response. The AP provides the factual update that Trump and Rubio are actively weighing her removal, contrasting with the administration's previous silence on the issue.

Why it matters

The potential firing of a U.S. ambassador over financial misconduct raises questions about the integrity of the State Department and the administration's approach to diplomatic appointments. It also highlights the strain in U.S. relations with allied nations, as Greece faces a diplomatic embarrassment that could impact broader transatlantic cooperation.

What to watch

The White House and State Department are expected to make a formal decision on Guilfoyle's status in the coming days. Democratic leaders may push for a formal investigation if the administration does not act, while Greek officials may seek to distance themselves from the U.S. embassy to mitigate diplomatic damage.