Rubio Declines to Address Guilfoyle Allegations Over $100,000 Credit Card Bill/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined Thursday to address a report alleging Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle sought a donor’s help paying a $100,000 credit card bill in exchange for access to administration officials. Rubio said he did not know whether the report was true and would not say whether he would open an investigation. Congressional Democrats have called for scrutiny of Guilfoyle, who has denied wrongdoing amid earlier allegations about her conduct in Greece.
Quick Look
- New report: The Wall Street Journal alleges Guilfoyle asked a Trump supporter to pay a $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing.
- Alleged offer: The report says she promised access to administration officials in exchange.
- Rubio’s response: He said he was aware of the report but did not know whether it was true.
- Investigation questions: Rubio declined to say whether he would initiate an inquiry.
- Earlier scrutiny: Congressional Democrats were already examining allegations involving her diplomatic conduct.
- Guilfoyle’s position: She has denied wrongdoing.
Deep Look
Rubio Declines to Discuss New Guilfoyle Report
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused Thursday to comment on new allegations that Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle engaged in improper and potentially illegal conduct before assuming her diplomatic position.
A Wall Street Journal report published late Wednesday alleged that Guilfoyle asked a donor and supporter of President Donald Trump to cover a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her confirmation hearing.
According to the newspaper, she offered the donor access to administration officials if he paid the bill.
Rubio said he knew about the report but could not say whether its allegations were true.
Secretary Challenges Treating Reported Claims as Established Facts
Speaking beside his aircraft before departing GreeceRubio rejected the suggestion that the newspaper’s reporting should be accepted as conclusive.
“You guys walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s the gospel. It’s not the gospel. It’s not the gospel for me. That’s not the way we do things,” he said.
Guilfoyle, who had come to see him off, stood nearby during the exchange.
Rubio’s departure followed a speech in Athens urging European nations to return to what he described as their civilizational roots.
Rubio Praises Embassy but Leaves Investigation Question Unanswered
At an earlier joint news conference with Greece’s foreign minister, Rubio said he would not discuss the allegations while visiting a foreign country.
He nevertheless praised the embassy and Guilfoyle’s performance.
“Suffice it to say our embassy here is doing a great job. Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here.”
The leading Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees have called for an investigation into Guilfoyle.
Rubio declined to say whether he was prepared to open one.
Earlier Allegations Prompted Congressional Scrutiny
Congressional Democrats were already examining allegations reported by The Wall Street Journal last month concerning Guilfoyle’s conduct as ambassador.
The newspaper reported that she told reception guests the United States could undermine Greece’s government if it chose to do so.
It also alleged that Guilfoyle promoted the interests of a particular Greek construction and energy company and allowed the company’s lobbyist to attend private diplomatic meetings.
Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing, and Rubio has previously defended her.
Before becoming ambassador, Guilfoyle worked as a Fox News Channel host and a California prosecutor. She was once engaged to Trump’s son Donald Jr.
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