A report by the Wall Street Journal has shed new light on the events leading to the departure of Kimberly Guilfoyle as US ambassador to Greece, portraying a period of escalating pressure, damaging allegations and growing concern within the Trump administration.
According to the newspaper, Guilfoyle spent her final weeks in office attempting to secure support from influential figures close to President Donald Trump as a series of reports raised questions about her conduct and business dealings.
Allegations intensified pressure
The WSJ reported that concerns began mounting in late September after allegations emerged regarding Guilfoyle's links to a Greek construction company and its lobbyist.
Further scrutiny followed the publication of text messages that allegedly showed Guilfoyle requesting $100,000 from Eric Deters, a Trump donor and former congressional candidate, before her Senate confirmation hearing.
According to the report, Guilfoyle later argued to administration officials that the messages had been generated using artificial intelligence. The newspaper said that explanation failed to convince key figures in Washington.
Search for the source of leaks
The report also said Guilfoyle came under renewed pressure after allegations that she had accepted transportation on private aircraft and luxury hospitality from Greek shipowner Nikolas Tsakos.
As media reports continued, she reportedly sought to identify the source of the leaks, with suspicions extending to embassy staff and members of her security team.
The WSJ said visitors to the ambassador's residence described a tense atmosphere, with Guilfoyle closely following developments while making calls to individuals she believed could intervene on her behalf.
Among those reportedly contacted was Matthew Boyle, Washington bureau chief of the conservative news outlet Breitbart News.
Trump changed his position
According to the newspaper, Guilfoyle remained confident until shortly before her dismissal that she could survive the controversy.
Behind the scenes, however, Trump had become increasingly concerned by allegations suggesting she may have attempted to profit financially from her relationship with him and his administration.
The decision became public during the first White House press briefing delivered by new press secretary Katie Zacharia, who announced that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign.
The WSJ reported that Trump personally ordered the announcement but did not speak directly with Guilfoyle beforehand.
Rubio visit complicated discussions
The newspaper also described behind-the-scenes tensions during the recent visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Athens.
According to the report, Rubio's team learned while travelling to Greece that the WSJ was preparing another story concerning the alleged $100,000 request.
Officials reportedly feared the issue would overshadow the secretary of state's visit and a planned speech at the Acropolis.
Although Guilfoyle publicly welcomed Rubio to Athens, discussions about her future were already under way within the administration, the report said.
Questions over energy initiatives
The WSJ suggested Guilfoyle's departure could create uncertainty around US-backed energy projects in southeastern Europe.
During her tenure, she played an active role in promoting American natural gas initiatives throughout the Balkans as part of efforts to reduce European dependence on Russian energy supplies.
The report noted that some projects remain active, while others have stalled or expired, leaving questions about how a change of ambassador could affect future coordination.
Guilfoyle rejects allegations
In a statement announcing her departure, Guilfoyle described serving in Greece as the greatest honour of her life and thanked both President Trump and the Greek people.
She also rejected the allegations made against her and said she would defend her name and reputation.
