WASHINGTON (AP) — Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece and a Trump appointee, has been asked to resign following significant criticism regarding allegations of improper and potentially illegal conduct both before and during her tenure in Athens. This information was conveyed by the new Trump press secretary, Katie Zacharia, on Tuesday.
The request for Guilfoyle's resignation comes after speculation about it was reported by The Associated Press during the weekend. President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing reports about Guilfoyle's alleged behavior on Monday. He mentioned, "Well, we’re looking at it," responding to inquiries about the possibility of her firing. "We’re not happy," he added, indicating the administration's concern regarding the situation.
The commentary from Trump followed a report from The Associated Press that highlighted the anger of both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Guilfoyle's conduct. According to a senior U.S. official, they are "extremely pissed off" and are expected to make a decision regarding her future during the week.
The Wall Street Journal has released a series of reports detailing allegations of questionable behavior by Guilfoyle. These include claims of her having threatened a host country official, accepting improper gifts and services, and an attempt to leverage her influence within the administration in exchange for settling a significant credit card bill.
While Guilfoyle has not directly addressed the allegations, her legal team issued a statement on Sunday denying any wrongdoing. They contended that the financial assistance she sought from a Trump donor pertained to payment for public appearances and speaking engagements that occurred prior to her appointment as ambassador, which had allegedly not been compensated.
This unfolding situation raises important questions about the conduct of public officials and the accountability measures that are in place. The scrutiny on Guilfoyle also reflects broader concerns within the Trump administration regarding ethical standards and legal compliance. As the White House deliberates her future, the focus will remain on the implications of these allegations and the administration’s response.
