Kimberly Guilfoyle Exits as Greece Ambassador After Trump Asks Her to Resign
Kimberly Guilfoyle is stepping down as U.S. ambassador to Greece after the White House asked her to resign amid a growing list of allegations, including claims that she asked a Republican donor to pay off $100,000 of her credit card debt.
"We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign. She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well," White House press secretary Katie Zacharia said Tuesday during her first briefing in the role.
Guilfoyle Confirms Her Exit
Shortly after the announcement, Guilfoyle posted a statement on X acknowledging that "my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end." She called serving the country "the honor of my lifetime" and said her "gratitude and respect for President Trump and Secretary Rubio remain unwavering," Axios reported.
She also pledged to remain "a loyal supporter of President Trump and his mission." It was not immediately clear when her departure would take effect or who would replace her.
The move came one day after Trump said his administration was weighing her future. "Well, we're looking at it," Trump said Monday. "We're not happy."
The $100,000 Allegation
Republican donor Eric Deters says Guilfoyle asked him to send $100,000 to American Express to pay down her credit card bill days before her July 2025 confirmation hearing, Newsweek reported.
According to messages reported by The Wall Street Journal, Guilfoyle allegedly told Deters in a Signal message, "It won't show up anywhere if you wire money to American Express." Deters has claimed she offered to help him reach top administration officials in return.
Deters said he never made the payment and has described the request as a "quid pro quo."
Guilfoyle Denies Wrongdoing
Through her attorneys, Guilfoyle has denied any wrongdoing. Her lawyers say Deters owes her about $150,000 for speeches and consulting work, and that she was trying to collect a debt, not offering access in exchange for money. Her attorney Jesse Binnall has also disputed the authenticity of the messages reported by The Wall Street Journal and said "any implication of wrongdoing by the Ambassador is unsupported."
Her legal team also said she has followed State Department ethics, gift-reporting and travel rules. The U.S. Embassy in Greece has called the allegations unsubstantiated. None of the claims against her have been proven.
Other Allegations and Investigations
Barrasso, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, addressed the allegations on CBS's "Face the Nation." "What we've seen in the reports is very troubling," he said. Asked whether he was comfortable with the alleged request, he answered, "No, I'm not."
He said he assumes the State Department will investigate and that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee would likely provide oversight, adding that the public deserves to know what investigators find, according to Fox News.
The State Department's Office of Inspector General is already reportedly investigating Guilfoyle and the U.S. Embassy in Greece. The Wall Street Journal reported that the watchdog is looking into whether she received gifts or favors from private businessmen.
Other reports have raised questions about her ties to Greek business figures, including private jet travel to Davos and a Paris hotel stay reportedly paid for by a Greek shipping executive. Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks has questioned her promotion of Aktor Group, a Greek construction and energy company. Lawyers for Aktor have denied that she improperly promoted the company. Meeks has said that if the allegations are accurate, Guilfoyle would be unfit to represent the U.S. abroad.
Sources have also described a hostile work environment at the embassy, alleging that Guilfoyle threatened to fire employees and demoted security officers over minor incidents. The Wall Street Journal also reported that she suggested the U.S. could undermine the Greek government. None of these claims have been proven, and Greece's foreign minister said there was no need to summon her.
From Defense to Departure
President Donald Trump appeared to distance himself from the controversy when asked about it on Friday. "I just heard about it. It's too bad," he said, adding that Guilfoyle "was always very nice."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially defended Guilfoyle, calling her a "strong ambassador." He later declined to address the allegations directly and criticized reporters for relying on unnamed sources, the Associated Press reported.
Vice President JD Vance said the allegations are only accusations for now and that the facts should be established first. Anyone who did something wrong, he said, should face consequences.
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and prosecutor, was a prominent Trump ally and was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr. The pair split in 2024, and Trump Jr. later tied the knot with Bettina Anderson. The Senate confirmed Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece in 2025.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.