WASHINGTON — The State Department’s Office of the Inspector General is reviewing allegations involving U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following accusations that she asked a Republican donor to cover a $100,000 personal credit card balance, NBC News reported.
Two people familiar with the matter confirmed the inquiry to NBC News, noting that the watchdog’s probe extends to Guilfoyle and the embassy in Athens. The scrutiny follows assertions by Eric Deters, a Kentucky conservative commentator and former congressional candidate, who alleged that Guilfoyle solicited the funds in July 2025 shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing.
Donor alleges proposed exchange for influence
Deters claimed that Guilfoyle requested the six-figure payment toward her American Express account and pledged high-level administration access in return. In interviews with ABC News and PBS News, Deters described the interaction as a quid pro quo, distributing records of encrypted Signal messages and text exchanges that he said documented the conversations.
According to messages reviewed by multiple outlets, Guilfoyle allegedly instructed Deters to route funds directly to the card company, writing that a direct wire would avoid scrutiny. Deters did not complete the transfer, giving varied explanations in media appearances that ranged from financial limitations to concerns over his marriage.
Deters stated on PBS News that his decision to release the communications stemmed from frustration after administration officials declined to assist in extraditing an Ohio physician who had fled to Pakistan. Deters represents former patients seeking to sue the doctor for medical malpractice.
Guilfoyle’s legal counsel disputed the legitimacy of the shared records in comments to The Wall Street Journal, while also suggesting any requested funds might have reflected reimbursements for past travel or speaking engagements. Deters denied that he owed any money to Guilfoyle.
Reactions across Washington and Athens
The White House did not provide comment on the accusations. However, Vice President JD Vance addressed the controversy during an appearance Friday, cautioning against rushing to judgment while noting that he opposed selling access to public officials.
“These are accusations,” Vance said, according to NBC News. “Let’s actually see what the facts are. Let’s see what the truth is, and obviously if there was something bad that happened, then people have to suffer consequences for it.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio rebuffed inquiries regarding the ambassador while visiting Athens alongside Guilfoyle. Rubio told reporters he would not address unsubstantiated reports during an official diplomatic trip overseas, adding that he could not verify the accuracy of the underlying claims.
The U.S. Embassy in Greece defended the ambassador’s record, stating that her work in public service reflected personal integrity and noting that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee vetted her background prior to her September 2025 confirmation.
Past inquiries and next steps
Watchdog examinations of sitting American ambassadors remain infrequent, diplomatic officials told NBC News, as the inspector general’s office primarily conducts periodic facility reviews rather than formal ethics inquiries.
Congressional leaders have also sought answers. Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Rubio requesting additional details regarding the matter.
A spokesperson for the inspector general stated that the office neither confirms nor comments on active investigations. It remains unclear what administrative actions or findings could emerge as the inquiry proceeds.
