Trump dismisses his ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who challenges the accusations

Donald Trump moved from the threat to the initially imposed. The White House announced on Tuesday 13 October that it had asked Kimberly Guilfoyle, US ambassador to Greece, to resign. CNN reports, citing an American official, that his formal resignation was received during the day. This decision comes after revelations about possible breaches of ethics, which the person concerned rejects. [S4] [S5]

A decision now announced

The 24-hour articles and the Geneva Tribune still present a planned revocation, based on Trump's statements made on Monday. RFI and South West report the next step: its eviction Tuesday, then the Greek reactions Wednesday 14 October. These publications therefore concern the same matter at different stages. The two Swiss titles, however, distribute the same text signed by Edgar Schuler: they do not constitute two independent investigations. [S1] [S2] [S3] [S4]

According to RFI, White House spokesman Katie Zacharia announced the request for resignation. Trump then explained that he did not appreciate what he had read, but felt that the ambassador was doing a good job. Kimberly Guilfoyle, for his part, defended his record and reputation in a statement on X, reaffirming his loyalty to the President. His departure therefore does not constitute recognition of the charges. [S4]

A disputed claim for payment

At the centre of the file are exchanges with Eric Deters, a Republican donor. According to the Wall Street Journal's revelations from the media consulted, Kimberly Guilfoyle allegedly asked him to pay American Express $100,000 to pay a credit card bill. Deters would not have made this payment. RFI states that it was also seeking the help of the Trump administration for its tax problems. [S1] [S4]

The versions oppose the nature of this solicitation. Through his lawyer, Guilfoyle challenged the authenticity of the published messages and argued that he was still entitled to remuneration for benefits prior to his appointment. Deters claims that he no longer owes anything to him. L'ambassadrice's lawyers also told CNN that she was seeking to recover speech and counsel fees, not to raise access to power. [S1] [S5]

Another aspect relates to luxurious trips and stays allegedly financed by Greek businessmen. The articles refer to recordings reported by the Wall Street Journal. Guilfoyle's lawyers judge the information about her deceptive travel and ensure that she has complied with federal obligations with respect to gifts and statements. These charges remain contested; the sources consulted do not present any judicial conclusions establishing them. [S1] [S4] [S5]

In Athens, a request for accounts

The controversy now goes beyond the fate of the ambassador. Pasok, the main Greek opposition party, asks the Conservative government to explain alleged interference and to promote economic interests with privileged access, particularly in energy. Syriza also blames the Kyriakos Mitsotakis government for its silence. These accusations are those of the opposition, not of the findings of a completed investigation. [S3]

The Greek government is defending another reading. Its vice-president, Kostis Hadzidakis, considers the departure of the ambassador to be an American affair that does not affect bilateral relations. The economic stakes are important: South West and RFI describe Greece's role in delivering US liquefied natural gas to Eastern Europe and the Balkans. There is, however, nothing in these articles to establish that the suspicions against Guilfoyle have resulted in an additional cost to consumers or invalidated an energy agreement. [S3] [S4]

Departure does not end liability issues

In the United States, elected democrats are calling for parliamentary control, particularly over Guilfoyle's financial interests and his discussions with the administration. CNN also reports an investigation by the Inspector General of the State Department, based on an informed source. However, the body refuses to confirm or deny an investigation, in accordance with its usual policy: this point therefore remains reported by the press, without public confirmation of the authority concerned. [S1] [S5]

The issue of responsibility remains distinct from the political sanction: to determine which payments have been requested, what benefits have been received and whether public decisions have favoured private interests. Requests for documents and hearings are intended to clarify these issues. At this stage, the resignation is reported as acquired, but it does not contradict the denials of Guilfoyle or the suspicions that led to his departure. [S1] [S5]