Elina Shiraz, the Daily Mail journalist whose question prompted the White House to announce President Donald Trump’s decision to remove Kimberly Guilfoyle as US ambassador to Greece, has made further revelations about the events leading up to her departure.
According to Shiraz’s report, in the days before her removal, Guilfoyle made desperate attempts to get Daily Mail articles about her lavish lifestyle removed from the internet.
Ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Greece, Guilfoyle allegedly asked State Department officials whether they could request that the Daily Mail delete an exclusive report detailing an unpaid restaurant bill.
In response to her request to have the article withdrawn, State Department officials asked her to provide proof that she had paid the bill herself.
However, according to sources familiar with the communications, the bill was ultimately sent directly to the US embassy, explaining why Guilfoyle was unable to provide the Daily Mail with proof of payment.
Shiraz notes that five sources have confirmed to the Daily Mail that the State Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) is continuing its formal investigation into Guilfoyle and the running of the US embassy during her tenure.
Three of those sources also revealed that the inspector general is investigating allegations of possible misuse of funds, unauthorised travel on private jets and helicopters, improper acceptance of gifts, and an excessively close relationship with a company operating in the energy and construction sectors.
One source familiar with the inspector general’s investigation said Guilfoyle had done “the exact opposite” of what a political appointee holding public office should do.
Shiraz also recalls that the Daily Mail previously revealed in an exclusive report that wealthy Greek businessmen had been asked to contribute $250,000 towards the cost of Guilfoyle’s luxury car, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
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