Donald Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a reception celebrating Greek Independence Day in March Alamy Stock Photo
Ethics scandal
The US State Department’s inspector general is reportedly investigating whether Guilfoyle received improper gifts.
US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump’s administration has asked his ambassador to Greece to resign, the White House said Tuesday, amid allegations that she sought money from a Trump supporter and accepted lavish hospitality from wealthy Greek businessmen.
“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” Trump’s new press secretary Katie Zacharia told reporters at her first White House briefing.
The announcement came a day after Trump acknowledged that he was considering dismissing Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and ex-fiancée of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
“She was doing a good job, but we didn’t like what we were reading,” Trump told reporters after the announcement, adding that he had not spoken to her, but that “she will not be there.”
In a lengthy statement on X, Guilfoyle rejected the allegations against her and defended her record as ambassador, highlighting efforts to boost US energy exports and strengthen security ties with Greece.
“These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation and my integrity,” she wrote.
Guilfoyle thanked Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pledging her continued loyalty to the president while acknowledging that her time as ambassador “may be coming to an end.”
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
Guilfoyle has faced mounting scrutiny following a series of reports by The Wall Street Journal about her financial dealings and relationships with wealthy businessmen.
The newspaper reported that she asked Eric Deters, an influential Trump supporter, to pay off $100,000 (€89,000) in personal credit card debt shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing in July 2025.
“Honey, please, I need you to get this done for me today,” she wrote to Deters in a message accompanied by instructions for paying her credit card company, according to the Wall Street Journal, which published screenshots of the exchanges.
Luxury trips
Deters refused to make the payment, telling the newspaper that doing so would have cost him his marriage.
Guilfoyle’s lawyer has disputed the authenticity of the messages and denied wrongdoing.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Guilfoyle boasted of luxury trips and hotel stays funded by wealthy Greek businessmen, citing hundreds of messages, emails and other records, including recorded conversations.
She travelled to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, aboard a private jet with Alexandros Exarchou, chief executive of Greek construction company Aktor Group, according to the newspaper.
Guilfoyle also spent Christmas at the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Gstaad with Greek shipping magnate Nikolas Tsakos, and stayed at a luxury Paris hotel on a trip with him, with Tsakos footing the bill, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The State Department’s inspector general is investigating whether Guilfoyle received improper gifts, according to US media reports.
The revelations emerged as Rubio visited Europe last week, including a stop in Athens, where he declined to comment on the allegations.
Guilfoyle, a prominent figure in Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, was appointed ambassador after her engagement to Donald Trump Jr. ended.
A former prosecutor and television commentator, she was previously married to California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.