Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US ambassador to Greece, resigned on Tuesday amid accusations she had asked for favours from donors and others in exchange for influence.
The White House first announced President Donald Trump had asked her to step down, with new press secretary Katie Zacharia describing Ms Guilfoyle as “a wonderful asset to the team”.
“From my first day as ambassador, I have worked tirelessly to advance President Trump’s America First agenda, strengthen our strategic alliance with Greece, and deliver meaningful victories for the American people,” Ms Guilfoyle said in a post on X following the announcement. She thanked Mr Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their support.
It came a day after Mr Trump said his administration was scrutinising Ms Guilfoyle following allegations of unethical conduct, and reports he was considering removing her from the diplomatic post.
A Wall Street Journal report alleged that Ms Guilfoyle had solicited or accepted money or other benefits from private individuals while offering to use her influence and connections with administration officials to help further their interests.
Mr Trump's son, Donald Jr, had been engaged to Ms Guilfoyle before they broke up in 2024.
“Kimberly Guilfoyle was not a member of my family. I guess she dated my son a long time ago. I didn't like what I read,” Mr Trump told reporters outside the White House.
The newspaper reported that in one instance Ms Guilfoyle had asked a long-time Trump donor for $100,000 to help pay off an American Express credit card bill before her 2025 confirmation hearing in exchange for access to officials.
Ms Guilfoyle said that the allegations against her were false. Her lawyers have disputed key parts of The Wall Street Journal’s reporting. The US embassy in Athens told the newspaper she had followed State Department ethics and all gift-reporting requirements.
“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.”
