WASHINGTON DC — The White House has asked U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign following allegations of improper conduct involving a political donor and questions about her behavior during her diplomatic tenure. Guilfoyle subsequently resigned on Tuesday, October 13, according to the Associated Press. White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia announced the administration’s decision during a briefing on Tuesday, saying Guilfoyle had been a valued member of the team and wishing her well.
The move followed several days of growing scrutiny over allegations that Guilfoyle sought financial assistance from a supporter of President Donald Trump before her Senate confirmation hearing. President Trump had indicated a day earlier that he was considering dismissing Guilfoyle, telling reporters that the administration was unhappy with the situation.
The controversy centers on allegations reported by The Wall Street Journal that Guilfoyle asked businessman and Trump supporter Eric Deters to pay approximately $100,000 toward her American Express bill in July 2025, shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing.
According to reports, Deters said Guilfoyle sought the payment while discussing his desire for access to senior Trump administration officials. The allegations raised questions about whether money was being sought in connection with political influence. Deters characterized the request as a potential pay-to-play arrangement. However, the allegations have not been established as proven wrongdoing.
Guilfoyle’s lawyers have denied that she engaged in improper conduct. They have argued that the money she sought was payment for previously arranged speaking engagements and public appearances that had not been paid for before her nomination as ambassador. The competing accounts have intensified scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction.
The financial allegations are part of a broader set of reports concerning Guilfoyle’s conduct before and during her time in Athens. The Wall Street Journal has reported allegations involving gifts and services, interactions with Greek officials, and possible efforts to use her diplomatic position to advance particular interests.
Guilfoyle’s legal representatives have disputed allegations of wrongdoing. The reported claims remain subject to scrutiny and should not be treated as established findings. Reports also indicated that the State Department’s Office of Inspector General was examining aspects of the matter. The precise scope and status of any formal investigation were not immediately clear.
Guilfoyle’s departure marks a significant development for a political ally of Trump who previously worked as a television personality and prosecutor. She was also formerly engaged to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son.
Her appointment as ambassador to Greece placed her in a strategically important diplomatic role. Greece is a NATO member and a key U.S. partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, with military facilities and maritime security cooperation that are important to American regional interests.
The ambassador’s departure comes at a time when Washington continues to prioritize security cooperation, energy partnerships and regional stability with its European allies. The White House has not publicly detailed all the considerations behind its decision beyond confirming that Guilfoyle was asked to resign.
The case has renewed attention on ethical standards for public officials, financial relationships with political donors and the importance of maintaining public confidence in diplomatic appointments.
