WSJ: U.S. Ambassador to Greece Says Washington Influenced Government Changes in Europe

U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle made the remarks during a private meeting in Athens while discussing the resignation of Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

The Wall Street Journal reported the comments in its investigation into the U.S. diplomat’s activities and her efforts to advance American energy projects in Southeastern Europe.

According to the newspaper, Guilfoyle attended a dinner in Athens in March 2026 with Greek and U.S. officials. During the discussion, she clashed with Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou.

Speaking about the expected resignation of the Romanian prime minister, Guilfoyle reportedly said, according to one of the meeting’s participants:

“We can do this to any country we want. We can do it here, too.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, Papastavrou responded that the United States could not change the Greek government, which the country’s citizens elected.

Guilfoyle’s attorney, however, disputed the newspaper’s account of the conversation. No independent evidence currently confirms that the United States was involved in the change of Romania’s government.

The government of Ilie Bolojan was dismissed on May 5, 2026, after the Romanian Parliament approved a vote of no confidence. A total of 281 lawmakers voted in favor, exceeding the 233 votes required.

Energy Background

Romanian outlet G4Media links the Wall Street Journal report to disputes surrounding U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the so-called Vertical Gas Corridor.

The route is intended to transport natural gas from Greece through Bulgaria and Romania to countries in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Moldova and Ukraine.

According to G4Media, former Romanian Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan approached President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Bolojan in January with a proposal to begin negotiations on an intergovernmental agreement with the United States to purchase American natural gas.

The media claims the presidential administration and Bolojan’s government responded cautiously to the proposal because of concerns about the gas’s cost and economic viability.

The U.S. administration pushed countries on Europe’s eastern flank to increase purchases of American natural gas. Guilfoyle was actively involved in these negotiations and promoted Greece’s Aktor Group, which, together with its partners, is working to supply gas to the region.

Representatives of Romanian political parties denied that Guilfoyle was involved in actions that led to the Bolojan government’s fall.

Romania, meanwhile, remains one of the United States’ key allies on NATO’s eastern flank. In May, Bucharest said it was ready to host up to 5,000 U.S. troops reportedly planned to be redeployed from Germany.