Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned as U.S. ambassador to Greece after the White House said it asked her to step down, ending a posting that lasted about 11 months.
The news came on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia at her first briefing. Zacharia said the administration had asked Guilfoyle to resign and wished her well, Reuters reported. Guilfoyle announced her resignation on X shortly afterward.
The Allegations
The resignation followed a series of Wall Street Journal reports that began in late September, according to the Associated Press. As summarized by the AP, the reports alleged that Guilfoyle:
- told guests at a reception that the U.S. could undermine the Greek government
- promoted a Greek energy and construction company and allowed its lobbyist into private diplomatic meetings
- threatened a host-country official and accepted improper gifts and services
The Journal also reported that Trump donor Eric Deters said Guilfoyle asked him to pay a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing, offering access to officials in return.
Guilfoyle denies wrongdoing. Her lawyers, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, told the AP that the money involved was for unpaid speaking fees that predated her nomination and that she followed State Department travel rules. Binnall has also said messages attributed to her are not authentic.
What Guilfoyle and Trump Said
In her resignation post, Guilfoyle did not give a reason for leaving but called the allegations false and said she would defend her reputation and integrity. She thanked Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Greek people, and highlighted work on liquefied natural gas exports, a regional energy corridor and defense ties.
Trump had signaled displeasure a day earlier, telling reporters, "We're not happy," according to the AP. On Tuesday he said she had been doing a good job but that the administration didn't like what it was reading.
Calls for an Investigation
A U.S. official told the AP that the State Department's inspector general is looking into the allegations, though it was not clear whether a formal investigation is underway. Democratic Reps. Gregory Meeks and Robert Garcia and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen have called for a probe. In Greece, opposition parties had asked the Foreign Ministry to summon her.
- Sept. 29, 2025Sworn in as ambassador
- Nov. 4, 2025Presents credentials in AthensBecomes the first woman to serve as U.S. ambassador to Greece.
- Late Sept. 2026Wall Street Journal reports beginThe reports allege improper conduct, which Guilfoyle denies.
- Oct. 12, 2026Trump says the White House is 'not happy'
- Oct. 13, 2026White House asks her to resign; she announces her resignation
Who Is Kimberly Guilfoyle?
Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor and Fox News host, was a prominent Trump campaign surrogate. She was previously married to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and was later engaged to Donald Trump Jr. She took up the Athens post in November 2025, the AP reported at the time, becoming the first woman to serve as U.S. ambassador to Greece.
What Happens Next
No successor has been named. A chargé d'affaires is expected to lead the U.S. Embassy in Athens in the meantime, according to the Greek newspaper To Vima.
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