News Desk: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued an ethics reminder to employees of the State Department, urging them to avoid conflicts of interest, act impartially and comply with federal ethics laws. The message came a day after US President Donald Trump removed Kimberly Guilfoyle from her position as ambassador to Greece amid allegations concerning her conduct.
According to a report by Bloomberg News, Rubio’s message was circulated across the department but did not mention Guilfoyle or explain why the reminder was issued at that particular time. However, its timing has drawn attention because it followed the controversy surrounding the former ambassador.
“As part of demonstrating our personal and professional integrity, I expect employees to avoid conflicts of interest in our work, to act impartially, and to avoid using our public offices for private gain,” Rubio wrote in the message to staff.
Trump removed Guilfoyle after reports by The Wall Street Journal alleged that she had solicited or accepted money, luxury travel and other benefits from individuals seeking access to senior US officials. Guilfoyle has strongly denied the allegations and said she would defend her name, reputation and integrity.
Guilfoyle, who was previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr., had received public support from Rubio when the initial reports emerged. During an official visit to Athens, Rubio described her as a strong ambassador.
However, when further allegations surfaced before his departure from Greece on October 8, Rubio declined to comment on the details and criticised journalists for raising the issue without giving officials sufficient time to review the reports.
His latest message places particular emphasis on the responsibility of government employees to maintain ethical standards and protect public confidence in federal institutions.
Rubio also highlighted the Hatch Act, a federal law that restricts certain political activities by executive branch employees. The legislation aims to prevent the use of official authority for partisan political purposes and ensure that government work remains impartial.
“We each have a personal obligation to comply with our government ethics rules,” Rubio wrote.
The reminder comes as the controversy surrounding Guilfoyle’s diplomatic role has attracted attention in Washington. Although Rubio did not directly connect his message to her removal, the timing has prompted scrutiny of the administration’s approach to ethics and accountability.
The allegations against Guilfoyle remain disputed, and she has denied wrongdoing. Rubio’s message, meanwhile, reiterates the department’s expectations regarding conflicts of interest, impartial conduct and the responsible use of public office.
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