Trump envoy warned Greek minister US can bring down ‘any country we want’, report claims

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Donald Trump’s ambassador to Greece warned the US can collapse “any country we want” in an argument with a Greek minister, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle reportedly clashed with Greek energy minister Stavros Papastavrou during a dinner with officials in Athens in March, though both sides have pushed back on the claims.

Referring to the impending collapse of the Romanian government, Guilfoyle is claimed to have said: “We can do that to any country we want. We can do that here.”

Papastavrou pointed out that the US could not replace the government of Greece, given it is elected by its citizens, the WSJ added.

Guilfoyle’s lawyer disputed the WSJ’s characterisation of the exchange, the news outlet added, and representatives of the Greek government have since said no threats were made.

In a statement to Greek publication Kathimerini, party general secretary Konstantinos Kyranakis said he attended the event, adding: “I was right there. There was no threat to Greece.”

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said: “There was never an issue of the Greek government being threatened. And to be serious, something of the sort would never have been acceptable.”

The White House was approached for comment.

The alleged threats would have been particularly sensitive in Greece, given the country faced economic collapse in 2015 after a devastating debt crisis and multi-year depression.

Romania’s pro-EU government collapsed in May after a no-confidence vote ousting prime minister Ilie Bolojan. The country’s currency fell to a record low against the Euro ahead of the vote.

Guilfoyle, a former media personality who was previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr, was announced as US ambassador to Greece in December 2024.

Welcoming her nomination, she said at the time: “It was the democratic values born in Greece that helped shape the founding of America. And now, we have an opportunity to honor that history by bringing better days here at home and abroad.

“As ambassador, I look forward to delivering on the Trump agenda, supporting our Greek allies, and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity.”

The 57 year-old is a lawyer who served as a prosecutor in California before turning to a career in television on Fox News.

“For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally,” Trump wrote in his announcement on Truth Social.

“Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad.

“Kimberly is perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation.”