U.S. Ambassador to Greece Resigns During Misconduct Investigation
Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned as the United States ambassador to Greece after the White House asked her to leave while a misconduct investigation continues.
Resignation Follows Allegations
Guilfoyle said that serving as ambassador had been one of the greatest honors of her life. She also rejected the allegations against her and said she plans to defend her name, reputation, and integrity.
The White House confirmed that officials had asked Guilfoyle to resign. A White House spokeswoman said Guilfoyle had been a valuable member of the administration and that officials wished her well.
President Donald Trump said Guilfoyle had done a good job in Greece, but he was unhappy with what he had learned about the allegations. He also said he had not spoken with her about the resignation.
A White House official later confirmed that Guilfoyle had formally submitted her resignation.
Investigation Into Her Conduct
Guilfoyle, who is 57 and was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., is being investigated by the State Department’s inspector general. The investigation began after allegations were raised about her behavior as ambassador.
One allegation involves claims that Guilfoyle spoke proudly about her relationships with wealthy Greek business leaders. She allegedly said those contacts helped pay for luxury trips. The claims include accounts from people who said they heard her discuss the trips, as well as an audio recording.
Guilfoyle’s lawyers have denied that she acted improperly during her travel. They said she followed guidance from the State Department and complied with government travel rules.
Dispute Over a $100,000 Payment
Another accusation came from Eric Deters, a donor who said Guilfoyle asked him to pay a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing.
Deters said Guilfoyle offered him access to senior administration officials in exchange for the payment. He described the arrangement as a trade: money in return for influence and access.
He also claimed Guilfoyle told him he could ask for nearly anything within the Trump administration and that no request would be too large.
A text message provided by Deters appeared to show Guilfoyle directing him to send the money straight to the credit card company. The message said that doing so would keep the payment from appearing elsewhere. Deters said he never sent the money.
Guilfoyle’s attorneys said the money was connected to unpaid speaking fees. Deters has rejected that explanation and said he did not owe her the amount claimed.
Officials Await Investigation Results
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, was asked whether her office would open a separate investigation. She pointed to the ongoing inspector general review and said officials would wait to see what it finds.
The investigation could examine both the travel allegations and the claims involving the requested payment. It may also determine whether Guilfoyle broke government rules or misused her diplomatic position.
Senior White House aides were concerned that the investigation could reveal additional details that had not yet become public. They also worried that any further findings could create political problems for the president and his administration.
Trump’s Response Changed
Trump initially offered a softer response when asked about the allegations. He said he had heard only a small amount about the matter and described Guilfoyle as someone who had always treated him well.
His position became more serious soon afterward. When asked whether he might remove her from the ambassador post, Trump said officials were reviewing the situation and were not pleased with what they were seeing.
Guilfoyle had continued contacting allies in an effort to keep her job. She believed she might still be able to remain ambassador, but the White House ultimately decided that she should step down.
Administration Officials Defended Her
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had defended Guilfoyle after the allegations became public.
Vance said the claims were still accusations and that people should not be judged before the facts are known. He said the matter should be examined carefully and that anyone found to have done something wrong should face the proper consequences.
Rubio also criticized questions about the allegations while he was visiting Athens with Guilfoyle. He said government investigations should not be handled during a public appearance in another country based only on claims made in a published story.
Rubio said he did not know whether the allegations were true. Guilfoyle has also denied wrongdoing and said she intends to defend herself while the State Department review continues.