Rubio snaps at reporters over Kimberly Guilfoyle probe after she allegedly begged donor to pay $100K Amex bill

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters 'I'm not playing this game with you' when confronted abroad over a State Department Inspector General investigation into US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle. The probe follows leaked texts in which Guilfoyle allegedly pleaded with Trump donor Eric Deters to wire $100,000 to her American Express account days before her Senate confirmation hearing in July 2025. Deters, 63, described the arrangement as 'all quid pro quo' — access to top Trump officials in exchange for cash. Guilfoyle's lawyer has disputed the texts' authenticity.

Guilfoyle allegedly texted Deters via Signal: 'Honey please I need you to get this done for me today,' attaching Amex payment instructions.

Vice President JD Vance called the reported behaviour 'extremely unseemly', saying he does not 'love' anyone selling access to government officials.

Deters says Guilfoyle promised to be his 'Trump ride or die, forever and ever' if he paid — but 'never came through on anything.'