The White House announced Tuesday that Kimberly Guilfoyle was asked to resign from her post as U.S. ambassador to Greece, a development that follows reports of an ongoing State Department investigation into her conduct. Press Secretary Katie Zacharia, in her debut briefing, confirmed the administration's decision, stating, "We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign, she has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well." Zacharia's announcement came during a briefing where she fielded questions from specific news outlets, including the Daily Mail, which first reported aspects of the allegations last week.
"No, she wasn’t a member of my family. She, I guess, dated my son a long time ago." President Donald Trump
The request for resignation arrives amid a series of negative headlines for the administration, just three weeks before the midterm elections. The State Department's Inspector General is reportedly reviewing multiple complaints concerning Ambassador Guilfoyle's tenure in Athens. Sources close to the investigation, as reported by the Daily Mail, indicate that these complaints include allegations of "tyrannical" leadership, the misuse of costly perks, potential substance abuse, and the acceptance of gifts. There are also claims regarding her use of private planes and helicopters, as well as an unusually close relationship with an energy and construction company based in the region.
Adding to the scrutiny, Guilfoyle faces accusations that she solicited a $100,000 donor payment to cover personal credit card debt, allegedly in exchange for political access within the administration. Eric Deters, a "Trump-world insider," offered an account to the Daily Mail, claiming Guilfoyle asked him for a six-figure payment. Deters also recounted an incident where Guilfoyle allegedly brought his wife and a friend to discreetly provide her with alcohol during a political festival, describing her behavior as "like a high schooler" hiding booze. He further claimed she packed up leftover catered VIP food and pressed him to praise her in front of Donald Trump Jr., purportedly to "win back his favor."
Guilfoyle's legal team has disputed these claims, stating that the disagreement with Deters revolves around unpaid work, not an attempt to sell access. According to a statement reported Monday, her lawyers assert that Deters owes her approximately $150,000 for speaking engagements and consulting work performed in 2024 and early 2025.
President Donald Trump weighed in separately on the matter. When asked by a journalist if the allegations surprised him, particularly given Guilfoyle was described as "almost a member of your family," President Trump responded, "No, she wasn’t a member of my family. She, I guess, dated my son a long time ago." The relationship between Guilfoyle, 57, and Donald Trump Jr. began in 2018, months after his separation from his wife, Vanessa. The couple became well-known figures within MAGA circles, with Trump Jr. proposing on New Year’s Eve 2020. However, they never married, and their relationship concluded by late 2024, with Donald Trump Jr. reportedly now with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson.
Ambassador Guilfoyle publicly addressed the news on X, labeling the allegations "false" and pledging to "vigorously defend" her name and reputation. She wrote, "I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service. While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end." She also thanked President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighted her diplomatic record in Athens, and affirmed her continued loyalty to the President. A source close to Guilfoyle reportedly told the Daily Mail that she reacted poorly to the news of the resignation request, "making excuses, saying how unfair it was."
The situation has drawn concern from some Republicans. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) stated on "Face The Nation" that the reports were "very troubling" and "concerning." Barrasso indicated his expectation for the State Department to open a formal investigation and added that "the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will have oversight and look into that as well." Top Democrats on the Senate and House foreign affairs committees, including Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), had previously urged Secretary Rubio to investigate. Meeks stated, "If these reports are accurate, Ambassador Guilfoyle is unfit to represent the United States abroad and should be removed from her position." The unfolding events underscore the scrutiny faced by high-profile political appointees, especially those with close ties to the administration, regarding their conduct and adherence to ethical standards in public service.
