Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, pushed back Tuesday against allegations of misconduct after the White House announced it had requested her resignation. In a statement posted to social media, Guilfoyle called her tenure “the honor of a lifetime” and vowed to defend her reputation against what she called “false accusations.”
The announcement came during White House press secretary Katie Zacharia’s inaugural briefing, where she confirmed that President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had asked Guilfoyle to step down. The move follows a series of reports in The Wall Street Journal detailing alleged financial improprieties, including a request for a $100,000 wire transfer from a GOP donor to cover a personal credit card bill.
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality and close ally of the president, expressed gratitude to Trump and Rubio for the opportunity to serve. “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,” she said.
She categorically denied the allegations, stating, “They are false and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity.” Guilfoyle added that she has “dedicated my professional life to fighting for justice” and would not let “false accusations” tarnish her record.
The Journal’s reporting alleged that Guilfoyle asked Eric Deters, a Trump donor and supporter, to wire her $100,000 to pay off her American Express bill. Deters has since vowed to sue Guilfoyle over the request. Another report claimed she bragged about connections to two Greek tycoons who were financing her luxury travel.
Trump had signaled growing frustration with the controversy. On Monday, he said officials were “not happy” about the reports and were reviewing them. By Tuesday, he told reporters he hadn’t spoken directly with Guilfoyle but “didn’t like what I read.” He added, “She went to Greece. She was doing a good job, but we didn’t like what we were reading.”
The resignation marks a swift fall for Guilfoyle, who was once a prominent surrogate for the president and a key figure in his political circles. Her departure also comes as the administration faces scrutiny over its handling of personnel and ethics, with GOP backlash over other issues already simmering ahead of the midterms.
Zacharia’s first briefing also touched on other topics, including Trump’s trip to Alaska, where he continues to campaign for allies. The press secretary’s debut came at a turbulent time for the administration, with multiple controversies competing for attention.
Guilfoyle’s statement did not indicate whether she would challenge the resignation or seek another role in the administration. Legal experts suggest her threat to sue could complicate matters, but for now, her diplomatic career appears over.
