Trump and Rubio consider firing U.S. ambassador to Greece amid misconduct allegations

A senior U.S. official said the leaders are “extremely pissed off” and may act after the Columbus Day holiday.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:08:54 GMT

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are weighing the removal of U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, according to two U.S. news outlets.

What happened

Both the Associated Press (via winnipegfreepress.com) and Fortune report that a senior U.S. official told reporters on Sunday, Oct. 11, that Trump and Rubio are “extremely pissed off” by a series of allegations against Guilfoyle. The officials said a decision on any action is expected this week, after the Columbus Day holiday on Monday.

What the reports add

Fortune notes that Rubio visited Athens the week before and was greeted by Guilfoyle with a bear hug as the allegations swirled.
Both outlets cite a Wall Street Journal series that details alleged threats to a Greek official, acceptance of improper gifts and services, and offers to leverage her influence to pay a large credit‑card bill.
The Associated Press piece repeats the core claim of consideration of dismissal but provides fewer specifics about the alleged conduct.
Fortune adds that the State Department’s inspector general is reviewing the allegations, though the State Department has not confirmed whether a formal probe has begun.
Fortune reports that top Democrats – Rep. Gregory Meeks, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Robert Garcia – have called for an investigation into Guilfoyle.

What was said

“Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here.” – Marco Rubio, quoted in both reports after initially defending Guilfoyle.

“You guys walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s the gospel. It’s not the gospel. It’s not the gospel for me. That’s not the way we do things.” – Marco Rubio, speaking at the foot of his plane as he left Athens, as reported by both sources.

The senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Trump and Rubio are “extremely pissed off” and will likely decide on a course of action this week.

How it came about

The scrutiny follows earlier Wall Street Journal reporting that Guilfoyle warned a Greek energy minister the U.S. could collapse any country – a claim disputed by her lawyer and Greek officials (see Felo coverage). Rubio’s recent NATO Arctic tour, which began in Iceland on Oct. 6 and included a stop in Greece, placed him in close contact with the ambassador (see Felo coverage).

Key facts

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are considering firing Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle (winnipegfreepress.com)
A senior U.S. official said they are "extremely pissed off" by the allegations (fortune.com)
Decision expected after Monday's Columbus Day holiday (winnipegfreepress.com)