Trump’s ex-daughter-in-law racks up $100,000 in credit card debt! Ambassador to Greece threatened to be replaced

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio (right) and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Gilfoyle (left) in the same frame. Trump and Rubio were reported to be considering replacing Guilfoyle as ambassador after the media revealed allegations of misconduct involving a $100,000 credit card bill. (Reuters photo)

U.S. President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are considering replacing Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle. The Associated Press quoted U.S. officials on the 12th as saying that the two were "extremely angry" over the recent accusations of misconduct against Guilfoyle that have been exposed by the media. They are expected to decide whether to take action this week after the Columbus Day holiday. Guilfoyle is a former Fox News anchor and the ex-fiancée of Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.

The Wall Street Journal has been reporting on controversies involving Guilfoyle before and after she took office since the end of September, including her sending a message to a Trump supporter on the eve of her Senate confirmation hearing asking a Trump supporter to pay a credit card bill of US$100,000 (approximately NT$3.2 million), and saying that she could arrange for him to contact Trump administration officials. She is also accused of threatening Greek officials, promoting the interests of a local construction and energy company, and involving the company's lobbyists in closed diplomatic meetings.

The Associated Press pointed out that when Rubio visited Athens last week, related accusations were exposed one after another. Guilfoy still attended most events and stepped forward to give Rubio a bear hug when he arrived. Before Rubio left Athens, reporters asked whether the relevant reports were true. He said he could not confirm the authenticity of the accusations and criticized the media for not taking the source's statement as the final word. U.S. officials told the Associated Press that Rubio's dissatisfaction has deepened as relevant reports have increased.

Lawyer denies wrongdoing

Guilfoy's lawyer issued a statement on the evening of the 11th denying any wrongdoing on her part. The lawyer said that the money she is seeking from Trump supporters represents unpaid remuneration for the nominated ambassador’s previous public speaking engagements and events, and said that she is evaluating legal avenues to recover the arrears. Regarding the accusation of flying on a private jet, the lawyer said that Guilfoy followed the guidelines of the State Council before each trip and complied with the travel regulations.

The Associated Press also quoted a U.S. official as saying that the State Department's inspector general was aware of the allegations, but another official said that he could not confirm whether a formal investigation had been launched. The top Democratic members of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the top Democratic member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee have all requested investigations into related incidents.

Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor and Fox News anchor, was also married to Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom and was later engaged to Trump Jr. The two later broke up.