Trump, Rubio Reportedly Weigh Firing Greece Envoy Guilfoyle
Trump and Rubio are weighing whether to fire Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece. The move follows reports alleging improper and possibly illegal conduct.
- $100,000 credit card bill allegedly sent to a Trump donor before confirmation.
- Journal reports also allege improper gifts and a threat to a Greek official.
- Guilfoyle's lawyer says she did nothing wrong.
- Rubio defended her in Athens, then declined further public comment.
Why it matters: The reports describe an ambassador who allegedly offered administration access in exchange for paying her debts. A senior official said Trump and Rubio are "extremely pissed off."
- The Journal reported she promoted one Greek energy company's interests.
- Democrats Meeks, Shaheen and Garcia have called for an investigation.
How 8 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage divides on emphasis: Democratic calls for a probe and the inspector general review, versus Republican Sen. John Barrasso's comments and midterm politics.
Center coverage, 4 sources: The center focuses on the administration's anger and the tabloid-ready details of Guilfoyle's personal history.
Left coverage, 3 sources: The left sees a pattern of alleged misconduct by a Trump loyalist that Democrats have already sought to investigate.
Right coverage, 1 sources: The right frames the story through Barrasso's call for transparency while keeping the focus on the midterms.
What’s next: A decision on Guilfoyle is expected this week, according to the senior official.
- Barrasso said the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will exercise oversight.
- It is unclear whether the inspector general has opened a formal probe.
- Has the State Department inspector general opened a formal investigation?
- Will Guilfoyle respond directly to the specific allegations?
- Did any promised access to administration officials actually occur?
