United States Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned from her diplomatic post following a series of mounting misconduct allegations, according to administration officials and reports.
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced the departure during a briefing on Tuesday, telling reporters, “We have asked ambassador Guilfoyle to resign.” Zacharia added, “She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well.” The announcement followed weeks of intense scrutiny and damaging reports concerning Guilfoyle’s conduct.
Allegations of Impropriety and Donor Access
The controversy surrounding Guilfoyle intensified after The Wall Street Journal published reports detailing several questionable acts prior to and during her tenure in Athens. According to the newspaper, Guilfoyle allegedly asked a Trump donor to cover a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her congressional confirmation hearing, promising in return that the donor would receive access to senior administration officials.
Additional reports indicated that Guilfoyle told guests at a reception she could leverage US influence to undermine the Greek government. She was also accused of promoting the interests of a Greek construction and energy company and permitting one of its lobbyists to participate in private diplomatic meetings.
Legal representatives for Guilfoyle countered the allegations regarding the financial transaction, stating that the $100,000 requested was compensation for prior speaking engagements and public appearances for which she had not yet been paid.
Resignation and Strong Denials
Shortly after the White House press secretary’s remarks, Guilfoyle took to social media to announce her resignation while vehemently denying all accusations.
“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,” Guilfoyle wrote on X. “These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity. I have dedicated my professional life to fighting for justice, standing up for what is right, and defending the values that make America exceptional.”
She added that she would not allow false accusations to overshadow her decades of public service, while expressing unwavering gratitude and respect for President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Administration and Political Reactions
President Trump had signaled on Monday that changes might be coming, telling reporters that the administration was evaluating the situation and noting, “We’re not happy.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially defended Guilfoyle, describing her as a “strong ambassador.” However, Rubio later declined to comment further on the specific allegations and criticized reporters for continuing to question him on the matter.
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host, California prosecutor, former wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, and former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., concludes her tenure in Athens amid these unresolved disputes over her conduct.
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