Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned as US ambassador to Greece after the White House asked her to leave the post amid allegations of improper conduct involving a Trump donor and other reported incidents during her diplomatic tenure.
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia announced the administration’s decision on Tuesday, October 13, during her first press briefing.
“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign. She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well,” Zacharia said.
Guilfoyle announced her resignation on X less than two hours later, saying she intended to defend herself against the allegations.
Serving as the United States Ambassador to Greece has been the honor of a lifetime. I will forever be grateful to President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for entrusting me with the extraordinary privilege of representing the greatest country in the history of the world.
From my first day as Ambassador, I have worked tirelessly to advance President Trump’s America First agenda, strengthen our strategic alliance with Greece, and deliver meaningful victories for the American people.
During my tenure, we have helped secure historic agreements to expand American liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, advanced the Vertical Corridor to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, strengthened our defense and security partnership with a critical NATO ally, and expanded opportunities for American businesses and investment throughout the region.
I am especially proud of the role our Embassy has played in strengthening American energy dominance, advancing economic cooperation, and ensuring that the United States remains the indispensable leader in Southeast Europe.
These accomplishments are a testament to President Trump’s bold leadership, Secretary Rubio’s commitment to American diplomacy, and the extraordinary men and women who serve our country every day.
I also want to address the recent allegations against me. 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. I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service.
My gratitude and respect for President Trump and Secretary Rubio remain unwavering. I am proud of what we accomplished together, and I will always be a loyal supporter of President Trump and his mission to Make America Great Again.
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.
It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the United States of America. My deepest heartfelt appreciation to the people of Greece for their hospitality, partnership, and welcoming me with open arms. God bless President Trump, God bless our incredible diplomats and service members, and God bless the United States of America.
— Kimberly Guilfoyle (@kimguilfoyle) October 13, 2026
“These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,” she wrote.
President Donald Trump had said a day earlier that he was considering firing Guilfoyle. Asked about the reports on Monday, he told reporters, “We’re not happy.”
Trump said on Tuesday that he had not spoken with Guilfoyle but that she would no longer serve as ambassador. He added that the administration had been unhappy with what it had read about the allegations.
$100,000 Payment Allegation Draws Scrutiny
The controversy intensified after The Wall Street Journal reported text messages allegedly showing Guilfoyle asking businessman and Trump supporter Eric Deters to pay a $100,000 American Express bill in July 2025, days before her Senate confirmation hearing.
Deters told CBS News that he viewed the request as an attempt to exchange money for access to the Trump administration. He said he did not make the payment.
CBS News reported that White House officials had been told the messages were authentic. Guilfoyle’s representatives, however, disputed allegations of wrongdoing.
In a statement reported by the BBC, her representatives said Deters owed her about $150,000 for speeches and consulting work completed long before she became ambassador. They maintained that the money he was asked to pay related to those earlier services.
The allegations extend beyond the reported payment request. The Wall Street Journal has also reported claims involving Guilfoyle’s interactions with Greek officials and business interests during her time in Athens. The allegations have not been established as findings of wrongdoing.
Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees have called for an investigation into her conduct. The Associated Press also reported that a State Department inspector general was looking into the allegations, although it was not immediately clear whether a formal investigation had begun.
Former Fox News Host Was Named Envoy in 2024
Guilfoyle, 57, is a former Fox News host and former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr. She was previously married to Gavin Newsom, who later became governor of California.
Trump nominated Guilfoyle to serve as ambassador to Greece in December 2024, before returning to the White House the following month.
Her departure follows mounting scrutiny over allegations concerning her conduct before and during her tenure. Guilfoyle has denied the accusations and said she would defend her reputation.
The White House had not announced a permanent successor or specified who would lead the US Embassy in Athens on an interim basis as of Tuesday’s announcement.