Kimberly Guilfoyle has been requested to resign from her role as U.S. ambassador to Greece, according to White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia. This announcement follows multiple media reports alleging improper conduct on Guilfoyle’s part, including claims that she sought assistance from a donor for personal financial matters.
During a press briefing, Zacharia confirmed, “We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” responding to questions regarding her status amid ongoing negative reports about potential misconduct. “She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well,” she added.
President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he was “looking at” the possibility of firing Guilfoyle, expressing dissatisfaction with her performance by stating, “We’re not happy.”
The Wall Street Journal reported various allegations against Guilfoyle, including claims of inappropriate threats to local officials, receipt of improper gifts, and a suggestion that she would leverage her position within the administration for the payment of her significant credit card bill. These reports have emerged over several weeks and have intensified scrutiny of her actions both before and during her assignment in Athens.
Guilfoyle has not responded directly to the allegations. However, in a statement released on Sunday, her legal representatives denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the funds she requested from a Trump donor were for public appearances and speaking engagements that occurred prior to her ambassadorial appointment and were unpaid.
Her attorneys, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, also addressed claims regarding Guilfoyle’s travel on private planes, stating she adhered to State Department guidelines regarding travel arrangements.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who initially defended Guilfoyle, has since refrained from making further public comments on the mounting allegations. Last week, Rubio described her as “a strong ambassador.” However, he later admonished reporters for their inquiries about the issues, stating that he could not confirm their accuracy.
Additional reports indicate that Guilfoyle allegedly requested a Trump donor pay a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her confirmation hearing, promising influence with administration officials in return. Furthermore, it was reported she expressed frustration over being excluded from a Greek-themed event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, showcasing her connections with executives during previous luxury travels.
Guilfoyle, who has a background as a former Fox News Channel host and California prosecutor, was once married to California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and was previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr.
Concerns regarding Guilfoyle’s conduct have reached Congress, with Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, voicing his apprehensions in a letter to Rubio, calling Guilfoyle unfit to represent the U.S. Meeks has urged the State Department’s Office of the Inspector General to investigate potential violations of federal laws and ethics regulations by Guilfoyle.
“Together, these reports paint a disturbing picture of an ambassador using her official position and access to senior political appointees to advance the private interests of those willing to pay,” Meeks noted in his statement.
