[UPDATE] State Department watchdog investigates Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle as the WSJ publishes texts offering donors access to Trump
Trump has not defended his ambassador to Greece, where the reaction is exasperation and resignation, per the NYT.
The Wall Street Journal published texts in which Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, offered access to Trump. The State Department's inspector general is investigating claims she asked a donor to pay her credit card bill. Trump on Saturday, Oct. 10: "I just heard about it, too bad she was always very nice."
PREVIOUSLY
- Oct. 7 — Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Guilfoyle seated in front of him in Athens, called her "a strong ambassador."
- Oct. 8 — Messages showed Guilfoyle had asked a Trump donor to wire money to her American Express bill before her confirmation hearing.
- Oct. 9 — The donor, Eric Deters, called it "pay to play" and said he never paid. Guilfoyle's attorney said the texts were not authentic; CBS reported White House officials were told they were.
Where it stands:
- The State Department inspector general's investigation is open.
- House Democrats want her records by Oct. 22.