Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns as U.S. ambassador to Greece after the White House on Tuesday publicly requested her departure amid mounting allegations of improper conduct. Guilfoyle announced her decision within two hours, saying she would “vigorously defend” herself.
Officials said earlier Tuesday that the administration had asked Guilfoyle to step down following criticism of alleged misconduct before and during her posting in Athens. At the first briefing by new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia, she described Guilfoyle as an asset and wished her well.
After Guilfoyle posted her resignation on X, President Donald Trump said she had done a good job in Greece but that the administration did not like recent reports and that “she will not be there.” Her exit followed days of speculation that intensified after weekend signals to wire services that her position was in jeopardy and after Trump expressed displeasure Monday over reports about her conduct.
Citing a senior U.S. official, those reports said both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were angry over the allegations.
Kimberly Guilfoyle resignation and allegations
Guilfoyle denies the accusations and cites her ‘decades of public service’
The Wall Street Journal has published multiple stories since late last month outlining allegations that Guilfoyle threatened a host-country official, accepted improper gifts and services, and sought payment of a large credit card bill in exchange for access to administration officials. In her resignation statement on X, Guilfoyle called the claims false and said she intends to defend her name, reputation, and integrity.
She added that she has spent her career fighting for justice and would not let the accusations define her public service. In a statement Sunday, her attorneys said she had done nothing wrong and argued that funds sought from a Trump donor were for unpaid public appearances and speaking engagements predating her ambassadorial nomination.
Her lawyers, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, also said any travel on private aircraft complied with State Department guidance and regulations. They did not immediately return calls Tuesday.
The allegations began surfacing weeks ago
Rubio initially defended Guilfoyle after the first report, calling her a strong ambassador, then later declined to comment on the growing claims. Speaking to reporters Thursday before departing Athens, Rubio criticized questions about the allegations, said he did not know if they were true, and would not respond without confirmation.
A second U.S. official said the State Department’s inspector general was looking into the allegations that began surfacing in late September. The official could not confirm whether a formal investigation had started.
The department has declined to comment. There was no immediate response from the Greek government or Cabinet members to the White House statement.
Before Tuesday’s announcement, Greek opposition lawmakers urged the Foreign Ministry to summon Guilfoyle to address the allegations, calling the matter one of national dignity. Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said she had been treated like any other ambassador and that a formal summons was not necessary.
Earlier Tuesday, Guilfoyle posted photos of a meeting with Spain’s ambassador in Athens and shared birthday wishes for Lara Trump, set to a song from the 2023 “Barbie” film soundtrack.
Greece’s position in Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean has taken on added weight, particularly on energy policy as conflict with Iran has pushed up global oil prices. Greek-registered tankers are active through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, and the country is seen as a potential conduit for liquefied natural gas into the Balkans and beyond.
Guilfoyle focused on energy issues during her tenure, though her ties with energy executives figured in some of the allegations.
Democrats call for an investigation
Top Democrats on key foreign affairs and oversight panels, including Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Rep. Robert Garcia of California, have called for an inquiry into Guilfoyle’s conduct.
Reports since late September have described claims that she told guests the United States could undermine the Greek government if it chose to, promoted the interests of a specific Greek construction and energy firm, and allowed its lobbyist into private diplomatic meetings.
While Rubio was in Athens, the Journal reported that, per text messages, she asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill ahead of her confirmation hearing in exchange for access to administration officials.
Additional reporting said she demanded to attend a Greek-themed event at the World Economic Forum in Davos and boasted about luxury travel with energy executives. A British tabloid also reported tension inside the U.S. Embassy in Athens and concerns about conduct unbecoming a chief of mission.
Guilfoyle is a former Fox News host and California prosecutor. She was previously married to Gavin Newsom during his tenure as San Francisco mayor and later became engaged to Donald Trump Jr.
Her prominence in pro-Trump circles has drawn scrutiny similar to that faced in other high-profile controversies, such as when pro-Trump ads stayed on air despite a judge’s order.
