The Trump administration on Tuesday asked its ambassador to Greece, Guilfoyle, to leave her post after she faced intense criticism over allegations of inappropriate and possibly unlawful conduct dating from before her time in Athens and extending into her tenure.
Trump administration asks Ambassador Guilfoyle to leave
The administration announced the decision after days of comments and speculation surrounding the ambassador’s fate. It was disclosed in response to a question put to new White House press secretary Katie Zakaria during her first briefing on Tuesday. Zakaria said Guilfoyle "was a great asset to the team, and we wish her well".
A series of reports by The Wall Street Journal cited alleged suspicious conduct by Guilfoyle, including an alleged threat against an official in the host country and the acceptance of gifts and benefits described as inappropriate. The reports also alleged that she offered to use her influence within the administration in exchange for payment of a large credit-card bill.
Guilfoyle declined to comment directly on the reports concerning the allegations. Her lawyer, however, denied that she had committed any wrongdoing, while the US embassy in Athens issued indications of tacit support for her as the reports and criticism circulated before the administration asked her to leave her post.
