A March 2026 gathering of diplomats in Athens ended in conflict over the sovereign rights of nations after a high-ranking U.S. official suggested Washington could switch out foreign leadership at will. During a dinner where the collapse of the Romanian government was discussed, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, told attending officials, "We can do that to any country we want. We can do that here," according to the Wall Street Journal. Greek energy minister Stavros Papastavrou reportedly countered that the U.S. could not replace a government elected by voters.

The remarks have since drawn public scrutiny of Guilfoyle's conduct and the resulting strain on diplomatic ties. The exchange took place in front of several Greek and U.S. officials who were briefed on the comments, highlighting friction between the allies regarding national sovereignty.