President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly weighing whether to remove Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. Ambassador to Greece, following a Wall Street Journal investigation into purported messages in which she allegedly asked a Trump donor for a $100,000 payment shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing. Guilfoyle's attorneys deny any wrongdoing, rejecting the authenticity of the messages and insisting she serves with integrity.
A senior U.S. official told the Associated Press on Sunday that Trump and Rubio are "extremely pissed off" and expect a decision after the Columbus Day holiday. The State Department's inspector general is reportedly examining the allegations, and congressional Democrats are demanding a full investigation. Guilfoyle's legal team says the payment was a legitimate debt for previously agreed-upon services that went unpaid.
The Allegation: $100,000 and Access
According to the Wall Street Journal's reporting, Guilfoyle sent purported Signal and text messages to Eric Deters, a Republican donor and radio host, asking him to wire $100,000 to cover an American Express credit-card bill in the weeks before her confirmation hearing. The messages reportedly indicated the transfer would leave no paper trail, while offering to help Deters gain access to senior Trump administration officials.
Deters has said he never sent the money. On October 8, he told MS NOW that the request was "absolutely a quid pro quo," calling Guilfoyle "a grifter." The Journal's series, which began in late September, has also reported that Guilfoyle told reception guests that Washington could undermine the Greek government, promoted the interests of the Greek construction and energy firm Aktor Group, and allowed its registered lobbyist Christos Marafatsos into private diplomatic meetings.
Additional reporting has alleged that she bragged about luxury travel and close ties to wealthy Greek businessmen, alienated embassy staff, and claimed she could secure invitations to dinners hosted by Eric Trump.
The Denial: "Unpaid Services" and Disputed Messages
Guilfoyle's attorneys, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, issued a statement on Sunday evening rejecting the allegations. They said the $100,000 figure related to previously agreed-upon payments for public appearances and speaking engagements that were never paid — not a solicitation for access. Binnall disputed the authenticity of the messages published by the Journal.
The legal team also rejected claims about private aircraft use, saying Guilfoyle sought guidance from the State Department on travel, and characterized the Journal's coverage as a hit piece. "Ambassador Guilfoyle has served, and will continue to serve, with integrity, honor and distinction," the statement said. The U.S. Embassy in Athens has tacitly backed her, stating that she has complied with ethics rules.
Trump and Rubio Respond — Then Waver
Rubio visited Athens last week for an October 7 Strategic Dialogue, where he held meetings and spoke near the Acropolis. He initially defended Guilfoyle as a "strong ambassador," but later told reporters he would not treat unverified claims as "gospel." Trump, asked about the allegations on Friday, said: "I just heard about it. Too bad... she was always very nice."
By Sunday, the tone had shifted. The AP reported that both men were furious, and CNN sources said on Monday that Trump was actively weighing her removal. A second U.S. official said the State Department's inspector general is examining the matter, though a formal investigation has not been confirmed.
On Capitol Hill, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Sen. Jean Shaheen, and Rep. Robert Garcia have each called for inquiries into the allegations, with Democrats arguing the reported donor solicitation demands answers. The State Department declined to comment on a potential inspector general probe.
What Happens Next
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality and former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., was confirmed as ambassador earlier this year. As of Monday, no departure has been announced and no official finding of misconduct has been made. Whether she survives the week depends on what Trump's review — and the inspector general's examination — turns up.
Watch: WHAS11 reports on Trump considering firing Kimberly Guilfoyle as Greece ambassador
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