MAGA Donor Eric Deters Turns on Guilfoyle Over $100K Amex Bill: 'It's Grifting on the Highest Level'

Longtime Donald Trump supporter Eric Deters has threatened to sue Kimberly Guilfoyle over a disputed $100,000 (£75,000) American Express payment, accusing the US ambassador to Greece of 'grifting on the highest level' as the White House moves to remove her from her post.

The former Kentucky congressional candidate said he plans to pursue defamation claims against Guilfoyle and her lawyers after they disputed his account of their financial dealings.

Speaking with CNN's John Berman on Anderson Cooper 360 on Monday, 12 October, Deters predicted that Trump would dismiss Guilfoyle, saying her alleged conduct had become an embarrassment to the administration.

'I think she's gone. I think he has to fire her,' Deters said. 'It's grifting on the highest level, and it's just an awful look for the administration.'

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign. It was not immediately clear whether she had formally stepped down.

Reacting to reports that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign, Deters said during a Facebook Live broadcast on Tuesday, 13 October, that her departure was 'the right thing to do' for the country. 'She needed to go,' he said, alleging that Guilfoyle may have treated others similarly. Deters also claimed that his disclosures had contributed to the move to remove her, while expressing frustration that she had allegedly failed to help victims of Dr Atiq Durrani, a former surgeon who fled the US while facing criminal charges.

He said he had sought her assistance in securing Durrani's extradition and an investigation into his departure from the country. 'I'm glad that she's gonna have to leave,' Deters said.

Deters Threatens Defamation Lawsuit Over $100K Dispute

The confrontation follows a Wall Street Journal investigation alleging that Guilfoyle asked Deters to wire $100,000 directly to her American Express account shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing on 9 July 2025.

According to messages reviewed by the newspaper, Guilfoyle urged Deters to send the money directly to American Express on 3 July, allegedly assuring him that the arrangement would not appear on her financial disclosures.

Deters also alleged that Guilfoyle offered to help him gain access to senior Trump administration officials in exchange for financial support. He ultimately refused to make the payment.

Guilfoyle's lawyers have disputed the allegations and questioned the authenticity of the messages. They maintain that she was attempting to recover approximately $150,000 in outstanding fees for previous speaking engagements and consulting work.

Deters rejected that explanation during his CNN interview.

'In all the text messages, she doesn't mention anything about me owing money,' he said.

He also accused her legal representatives of falsely portraying him as a blackmailer.

'I'm going to be suing those lawyers, that law firm, and Kimberly Guilfoyle,' he declared. 'It's going to be fun.'

Deters has threatened legal action, but no lawsuit arising from those remarks has been independently confirmed. No court ruling has established wrongdoing by Guilfoyle in connection with the disputed payment.

From Trump Insider to Guilfoyle's Public Accuser

Deters, a former lawyer and conservative radio host, has supported Trump since his first presidential campaign.

He founded Freedom Fest, a Kentucky-based conservative event launched in 2020, which attracted prominent Republican figures, including Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Guilfoyle.

According to the Journal, Deters paid Guilfoyle approximately $300,000 for appearances over several years. Federal Election Commission records also show that he donated $125,000 to a political action committee supporting Trump in 2022.

Their relationship deteriorated after Deters sought assistance with federal legal and tax matters, claiming Guilfoyle failed to deliver on promises to use her political connections.

Trump Administration Moves to Remove Guilfoyle

The dispute has unfolded alongside separate allegations concerning Guilfoyle's diplomatic activities in Greece.

The Journal has also reported allegations that Guilfoyle received improper gifts and travel benefits while serving as ambassador. Her lawyers denied wrongdoing, maintaining that her travel complied with State Department requirements.

A US official told the Associated Press that the State Department's inspector general was looking into the allegations, although the official could not confirm whether a formal investigation had begun.

Trump acknowledged the controversy on Monday, telling reporters: 'Well, we're looking at it. We're not happy.'

A day later, the White House confirmed its request for Guilfoyle's resignation, marking a dramatic reversal for the former Fox News personality and ex-fiancée of Donald Trump Jr.