The US Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has resigned at the request of the White House, following allegations in the Wall Street Journal about her misconduct both in office and shortly before she became Ambassador. These included asking a wealthy donor to pay off a substantial credit card bill, taking flights on the private jets of Greek businessmen, lobbying for commercial companies in official meetings, and – most damaging from a Greek point of view – boasting at a dinner at which a Greek minister was present that the US could undermine governments if it chose to, including that of Greece.
Ms Guilfoyle has protested her innocence and said she will work to clear her name. Her resignation statement on X included the words: “These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity.” The allegations, if true, demonstrate the pitfalls which accompany the American practice of making political appointees to ambassadorial posts, instead of career diplomats. The call for her resignation perhaps demonstrates that the current US administration at least recognises that there is a different political culture in Europe to that which prevails at home.
The Greek government has downplayed Ms Guilfoyle’s comments about the US seeking to overthrow governments, despite opposition attempts to make political capital out of the incident (possibly recognising that she was no more than stating the truth about American practices over many decades). No doubt they estimated that there was little to be gained from creating a diplomatic incident at a time when US-Greek relations are held to be at a high point by both sides. Replying to a question in Parliament, the minister involved, the Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, said that “there was never a question of a threat or pressure on our country, nor would such a thing ever be tolerated”.
The full text of Kimberly Guilfoyle’s resignation statement, posted on X, is as follows:
“Serving as the United States Ambassador to Greece has been the honor of a lifetime. I will forever be grateful to President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for entrusting me with the extraordinary privilege of representing the greatest country in the history of the world.
“From my first day as Ambassador, I have worked tirelessly to advance President Trump’s America First agenda, strengthen our strategic alliance with Greece, and deliver meaningful victories for the American people.
“During my tenure, we have helped secure historic agreements to expand American liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, advanced the Vertical Corridor to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, strengthened our defense and security partnership with a critical NATO ally, and expanded opportunities for American businesses and investment throughout the region.
“I am especially proud of the role our Embassy has played in strengthening American energy dominance, advancing economic cooperation, and ensuring that the United States remains the indispensable leader in Southeast Europe.
“These accomplishments are a testament to President Trump’s bold leadership, Secretary Rubio’s commitment to American diplomacy, and the extraordinary men and women who serve our country every day.
“I also want to address the recent allegations against me. These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity. I have dedicated my professional life to fighting for justice, standing up for what is right, and defending the values that make America exceptional. I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service.
“My gratitude and respect for President Trump and Secretary Rubio remain unwavering. I am proud of what we accomplished together, and I will always be a loyal supporter of President Trump and his mission to Make America Great Again.
“While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end.
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the United States of America. My deepest heartfelt appreciation to the people of Greece for their hospitality, partnership, and welcoming me with open arms. God bless President Trump, God bless our incredible diplomats and service members, and God bless the United States of America.”
A summary of the affair can be found on the AP News website, here: https://apnews.com/article/trump-ambassador-greece-guilfoyle-9da9d2e50e18bccc38946404c1ca756f