AP source: Trump, Rubio weigh firing U.S. envoy to Greece after mounting reports of improper conduct

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are contemplating the dismissal of U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following numerous allegations of improper and potentially illegal behavior during her tenure in Athens.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Guilfoyle engaged in questionable actions including threatening a foreign official, accepting gifts and services improperly, and offering her administration influence for the payment of a substantial credit card bill. Guilfoyle has not addressed the claims directly, but her lawyer maintains she did nothing wrong. The U.S. embassy in Athens has shown support for her.

Rubio, who visited Athens last week and greeted Guilfoyle warmly at his arrival, has become increasingly frustrated as more reports emerged. He rebuked journalists for jumping to conclusions about the allegations, emphasizing that his stance should be based on confirmed facts. After another report surfaced, he berated journalists for inquiring about the allegations, asserting his commitment to not responding without confirmation.

The State Department's inspector general is probing the allegations, with some observers suggesting this could lead to a formal investigation. If confirmed, the inquiry could result in disciplinary actions, including dismissal. Both the top Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees, as well as the ranking member on the House Committee for Oversight and Government Reform, have called for an investigation into Guilfoyle.

Since late September, the Wall Street Journal has published multiple accounts detailing Guilfoyle's questionable conduct. These reports include her allegedly undermining the Greek government, promoting a Greek company's interests, and allowing its lobbyist to attend confidential diplomatic meetings. Following a visit to Athens, the Journal revealed Guilfoyle had asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill prior to her confirmation hearing, promising him access to administration officials for the favor.

Reports also allege Guilfoyle was upset over not being invited to a Greek-themed event at the World Economic Forum in Davos and had pushed the boundaries of acceptable behavior for a U.S. envoy in Greece.

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and California prosecutor, has connections to Trump's family.