White House asks Guilfoyle to quit Greece post
SCMP · 4 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Trump administration said on Tuesday that it had asked US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign after a series of reports raised questions about her conduct in office and before taking up the Athens posting. The allegations reported by US media included accepting luxury trips funded by wealthy Greek businessmen, seeking help with a US$100,000 credit card bill, and offering or implying access to administration influence in return for money, gifts or favours. President Donald Trump had said on Monday he was considering firing Guilfoyle, and on Tuesday said the administration “didn't like what we were reading,” even as the White House also praised her service
Key Points
- A senior US official told the South China Morning Post on Sunday that Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were likely to decide Guilfoyle's fate this week after the Columbus Day holiday
- White House press secretary Katie Zacharia said on Tuesday that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign, calling her “a wonderful asset to the team” and wishing her well.
- Trump told reporters on Tuesday that Guilfoyle “was doing a good job,” but said the administration moved because “we didn't like what we were reading.”
- The Wall Street Journal allegations cited by multiple outlets included a request that donor Eric Deters write off a US$100,000 American Express bill before her confirmation hearing.
- Other reported allegations included luxury trips and stays paid by wealthy Greek businessmen, improper gifts and services, and a threat to use US influence against the Greek government.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the episode is a reminder that ambassadorial appointments can quickly become political liabilities when ethics questions overlap with donor ties and personal networks. It also shows how allegations first aired in the US media can rapidly affect diplomacy on the ground, including during a cabinet-level visit such as Rubio's stop in Athens last week.