WorldPosted at: Oct 8 2026 7:35PM


Rubio tells Europe to strengthen economy and military, refuses to comment on Guilfoyle allegations

Athens, Greece Oct 8 (UNI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a stern message to America’s European allies Thursday, urging them to strengthen their economies, societies and militaries while firmly rejecting pressure to immediately respond to a news report involving US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Speaking to reporters at Athens International Airport, Rubio said the United States wants a “strong Europe” and “strong partners in Europe,” arguing that the strength of individual NATO members directly determines the strength of the alliance.
“The stronger they are, the stronger we are collectively,” Rubio said.
Rubio refused to comment on a new report alleging that US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before taking up her post.
Rubio told reporters that he would not discuss the allegations contained in a Wall Street Journal story that said Guilfoyle had asked a donor and supporter of US President Donald Trump to pay a $100,000 credit card bill just before her confirmation hearing, promising him access to administration officials if he did.
He spoke before leaving Greece, where he delivered a speech calling for European countries to return to what he described as their civilizational roots.
Rubio pointed to Greece, Portugal and Germany as examples of allies that are stepping up, while acknowledging that some NATO members are facing domestic political pressure over defense and other commitments.
“The stronger the individual members of NATO are — both societally, economically, and militarily — the stronger NATO is,” he said.
Rubio also confronted repeated questions on a news report alleging that U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before taking up her post.
Rubio told reporters that he would not discuss the allegations contained in a Wall Street Journal story that said Guilfoyle had asked a donor and supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump to pay a $100,000 credit card bill just before her confirmation hearing, promising him access to administration officials if he did.
Rubio said the State Department had not yet had an opportunity to review.
“This is not the way you run an organization,” Rubio said, accusing reporters of expecting the administration to respond immediately whenever an unnamed source provides information to the media.
Rubio rejected calls for an immediate inspector general investigation, saying he would not allow major policy or personnel decisions to be driven by reports that officials had not independently reviewed.
“I don’t even know if what you’re reporting is true or not true,” he said.
He warned reporters that the administration would not treat media reports as established fact.
“You guys somehow walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s the gospel,” Rubio said. “It’s not the gospel for me.”
Rubio said such matters would be handled through appropriate government channels rather than through questions shouted at a press conference on a foreign airport tarmac.
Asked whether Iranian threats were limiting where the United States could operate in Europe or within NATO territory, Rubio gave a categorical response.“No,” he said.
“The United States has the ability to operate — there is nothing we want or need to do against Iran that we can’t still do,” Rubio said.
His remarks come as Washington continues coordinating with European allies over Iran and broader regional security issues.Rubio also defended the timing and setting of his speech in Greece, describing Athens as a uniquely powerful venue because of its connection to democracy and the foundations of Western civilization.
He spoke before leaving Greece, where he delivered a speech calling for European countries to return to what he described as their civilizational roots.
He called Greece a “model ally” and said the visit was intended to reinforce the longstanding U.S.-Greek relationship.
Rubio is traveling onward to Portugal, another NATO ally, where he said the objective would be to deepen bilateral ties rather than create tensions between European countries.
Asked about Portugal’s support for U.S. operations involving Iran compared with neighboring Spain, Rubio declined to draw a public contrast.
“The purpose of our visit is not to start a problem with another country,” he said.UNI AAB
Tags: #Rubio tells Europe to strengthen economy and military# refuses to comment on Guilfoyle allegations
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