Kimberly Guilfoyle faces firing after Rubio hug goes viral

A viral video showing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warmly greeting US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle at Athens airport has sparked fresh attention amid allegations that could threaten her diplomatic career.

The footage shows Guilfoyle embracing Rubio on the airport tarmac. However, the moment has attracted attention beyond its diplomatic setting following reports about allegations against the ambassador. Arabic captions accompanying the video raised questions about the apparent warmth between the two officials, suggesting that Guilfoyle’s position could be under scrutiny despite the public greeting.

According to reports published by The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press on October 12, Guilfoyle is facing allegations involving financial demands, luxury travel and concerns about her conduct at the US Embassy in Athens.

One of the most serious allegations concerns a reported $100,000 credit card bill. Guilfoyle allegedly asked Trump donor Eric Deters to pay the amount in exchange for access to officials in the Trump administration. However, Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing, and her legal team disputes the claim that the money was linked to political access.

Her lawyers reportedly maintain that the amount related to unpaid fees for speaking engagements and public appearances she undertook before becoming ambassador.

The allegations also include claims that Guilfoyle accepted expensive private jet trips and stays at luxury hotels in Paris and Switzerland. Greek business figures and energy companies allegedly covered some of these expenses. Reports have also raised questions about her promotion of Greek construction and energy company Aktor Group during diplomatic engagements.

Separately, concerns have reportedly emerged among staff at the US Embassy in Athens over Guilfoyle’s workplace conduct. The allegations have added to scrutiny of her performance as Washington’s representative in Greece.

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that her position is under review. Asked about the situation on Sunday, Trump said, “Well, we are looking at it. We are not happy.” Rubio and Trump are reportedly unhappy with the allegations, although a final decision on her future has not been publicly confirmed.

The controversy has also drawn attention to Rubio’s recent defence of Guilfoyle. During his visit to Athens last week, the secretary of state described her as a strong ambassador. He also cautioned reporters against treating media reports as definitive accounts of events.

Guilfoyle, 56, has a high-profile background in American politics and media. Before her diplomatic appointment, she worked as a Fox News host and was engaged to Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump. Her connections to the Trump family have further intensified interest in the allegations.

Guilfoyle has rejected the accusations and maintained that she has served with “integrity, honor and distinction.” Her legal team has also challenged the suggestion that the reported payment request involved an exchange for political influence.

The allegations remain disputed, and no final determination of wrongdoing has been established in the information provided. Nevertheless, the controversy has placed Guilfoyle’s diplomatic role under increased scrutiny, raising questions about whether she will remain in her post as ambassador to Greece.