Marco Rubio tightens control over travel and threatens dismissal at State Department

Strict requirements for diplomatic service staff

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed the leadership of the Department of State that unethical conduct will be grounds for dismissal, regardless of an official's status or connections. He also emphasised the need for strict adherence to the limits of authority. This was reported by Reuters.

Tightening control over decisions and travel

According to sources, these requirements were formulated during a meeting with senior department officials last week, ahead of the midterm elections in the United States. Rubio established a rule requiring that significant decisions be approved by him personally or by his deputy, Christopher Landau.

In addition, restrictions have been introduced on staff foreign travel. From now on, all such trips require mandatory approval from the Secretary of State's office.

Context: resignation of ambassador to Greece

The aforementioned meeting took place after US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Gilfoyle resigned from her post in mid-October. Media outlets previously reported that she allegedly sold access to representatives of the Donald Trump administration in exchange for money, gifts, and services. However, Gilfoyle denied these allegations.