White House Ousts Greece Envoy Guilfoyle Over $100,000 Access-Selling Allegations
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Oct 13
White House Ousts Greece Envoy Guilfoyle Over $100,000 Access-Selling Allegations
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Oct 13
Summary
Katie Zacharia said the White House asked Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign after reports alleged she sold access to Trump officials for money, gifts and favors.
Wall Street Journal stories triggered the move, detailing claims Guilfoyle threatened to use U.S. influence against the Greek government and sought a Davos invitation while touting ties to wealthy Greek businessmen.
Eric Deters told the Journal Guilfoyle asked him to cover a $100,000 credit-card bill in exchange for access, while the Daily Mail reported the State Department watchdog was examining staff complaints from the Athens embassy.
Trump said Monday he was considering firing Guilfoyle and on Tuesday said, "we didn't like what we were reading"; Guilfoyle denied wrongdoing and vowed to defend her name.
The exit jolts a high-profile posting in a key NATO ally where Guilfoyle had pushed U.S. LNG and drilling deals, while Greek officials have yet to comment.