Trump Requests Resignation of Kimberly Guilfoyle as US Ambassador to Greece Amid Allegations

President Donald Trump stated earlier this week that he was "not happy" with the allegations against Kimberly Guilfoyle, prompting his administration to ask her to resign from her position as US ambassador to Greece, according to White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia. Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host, faced scrutiny over reports that she allegedly requested a Trump donor to pay her credit card bill in exchange for access to the administration and behaved inappropriately while in Athens. Trump remarked on Tuesday that while she had done a good job, she would "not be there" in Greece any longer, adding, "I didn't like what I read." Guilfoyle responded by vowing to defend herself, calling the claims false, and stating that the ambassadorship had been the "honour of a lifetime." Zacharia confirmed during her first media briefing that Guilfoyle "had been asked to resign" but did not provide further details. She described Guilfoyle as a "wonderful asset to the team" and wished her well. Guilfoyle, who is 57 years old and was previously married to California Governor Gavin Newsom, was nominated as envoy to Athens in December 2024, shortly before Trump returned to the White House. Around that time, it was reported that she had ended her engagement with Donald Trump Jr. In a post on X, Guilfoyle expressed gratitude to Trump, affirmed her loyalty, and denied any wrongdoing. She stated, "I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity," and emphasized that she would "not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service." Her position became increasingly precarious as allegations of improper behavior surfaced over the past week. Text messages reviewed by the BBC, initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, suggested Guilfoyle requested money from Eric Deters, a Trump ally. In one message, she wrote, "It won't show up anywhere if you wire money to American Express." Another message, sent shortly before her US Senate confirmation hearing last July, included a request for urgent assistance. Guilfoyle's lawyers disputed the authenticity of these messages, claiming she was seeking payment for speeches and consulting work conducted prior to her ambassadorship. Audio recordings obtained by the Wall Street Journal reportedly feature Guilfoyle discussing her connections with prominent Greek business figures and suggesting that the US could influence the Greek government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was seen with Guilfoyle during a recent trip to Athens, also reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the allegations. Following the announcement of her resignation, Deters stated that it was "a great day for American diplomacy" and denied owing Guilfoyle money, indicating plans for legal action against her. Guilfoyle had been a long-time ally of Trump and was previously in a relationship with Trump Jr., with whom she became engaged in 2018 before their breakup in late 2024. Trump noted on Tuesday that while Guilfoyle had dated his son, she was not considered a family member. He confirmed that he did not speak with Guilfoyle before her resignation request and reiterated that while she was performing well in Greece, the allegations were concerning. Trump also praised Zacharia's performance in her initial press briefing, during which she answered a limited number of questions and highlighted the administration's policy achievements.