The White House formally requested the resignation of US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle on Tuesday, after a series of escalating allegations of improper conduct. Within two hours of the announcement, Guilfoyle confirmed her resignation, ending days of speculation about her professional standing. She said she would “vigorously defend” herself against the allegations.
Earlier that day, the Trump administration said it would seek her departure in light of substantial criticism over alleged inappropriate and potentially illegal behaviour before and during her tenure in Athens.
Newly appointed White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia disclosed this information during a media briefing, noting that Guilfoyle had been “a wonderful asset to the team” and extending best wishes for her future endeavours.
“She went to Greece. She was doing a good job, but we didn’t like what we were reading,” President Donald Trump said just after Guilfoyle’s resignation, which was posted on her X account. He said he hadn’t spoken to her, but “she will not be there.”
Guilfoyle’s departure was confirmed after speculation reported by The Associated Press over the weekend. On Monday, former Trump expressed dissatisfaction with allegations about her conduct. This response came one day after the AP reported, citing a senior US official, that both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were notably upset with Guilfoyle’s actions.
Guilfoyle has publicly denied these allegations, emphasising her “decades of public service.” A series of reports from The Wall Street Journal, originating in late last month, have outlined concerns regarding Guilfoyle’s conduct, which includes claims of threatening a host country official, accepting improper gifts and services, and purportedly offering to leverage her influence within the Republican administration in exchange for assistance with a significant credit card bill.
In her resignation statement issued on X, Guilfoyle addressed the accusations directly, asserting, “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,“ she said. “I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service.”
In a statement on Sunday, Kimberly Guilfoyle’s lawyers denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the funds she sought from a Trump donor were for unpaid public appearances and speaking engagements that occurred before her ambassadorial nomination. Lawyers David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall also dismissed allegations about her private-plane travel, saying she followed State Department guidance and regulations for each trip. They did not respond to calls on Tuesday.
The allegations began surfacing weeks ago
After initially defending Guilfoyle, Rubio later declined to comment on the growing allegations. Last week, he remarked, “Our ambassador has been a strong representative here.“ However, after another report emerged, Rubio criticised journalists for asking about the allegations, stating he was unsure of their validity and would not respond to unverifiable claims.
“You guys walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s the gospel. It’s not the gospel. It’s not the gospel for me. That’s not the way we do things,“ Rubio said at the foot of his plane as Guilfoyle, who was there to see him depart, looked on.
A second US official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the State Department’s inspector general is investigating allegations that surfaced in the Journal last month and have since increased. While it’s unclear whether a formal inquiry has begun, informal investigations often don’t lead to full probes or disciplinary action. The State Department has not commented on the investigation.
The Greek government did not immediately respond to Zacharia’s statement. Ahead of a recent announcement, Greek opposition parties urged the Foreign Ministry to summon Guilfoyle to address the allegations. Sia Anagnostopoulou, a former deputy foreign minister, emphasised in parliament that this is a matter of national dignity. Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis responded that Guilfoyle had been treated like any other ambassador and deemed an official summons unnecessary.
Greece’s strategic location in Southeastern Europe has amplified its role in energy issues, particularly as global oil prices rise amid the war with Iran. Guilfoyle, who focused on energy as US ambassador to Greece, has faced scrutiny for her close ties to sector executives.
Democrats call for an investigation
Top Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), along with Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), have called for an investigation into Guilfoyle over numerous reports of questionable conduct.
The Wall Street Journal revealed that Guilfoyle told guests at a reception that the US could undermine the Greek government and promoted a specific Greek construction and energy company. She also reportedly asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing, promising access to administration officials in return.
Additionally, Guilfoyle expressed dissatisfaction at not being invited to a Greek-themed event at the World Economic Forum and reportedly alienated staff at the US Embassy in Athens, crossing the line for a US government representative.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
