Trump Jr's Ex Guilfoyle Reportedly Tried to Scrub Champagne Story Before White House Asked Her to Resign

Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former US ambassador to Greece and former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr, reportedly asked State Department officials whether they could have an article about a Champagne and dinner bill removed from the internet, days before the White House asked her to resign.

Officials reportedly requested a receipt showing she had paid the bill herself, but she did not provide one. The episode came amid separate allegations involving a $100,000 (£76,000) request to a political donor and her relationships with Greek business interests.

Dinner Bill and Champagne Requests

The Daily Mail reported that a dinner at Matsuhisa, a restaurant at the Four Seasons Astir Palace resort in Vouliagmeni, Greece, on 31 May cost €1,586 (about £1,340). Guilfoyle attended with her son, Ronan, and his father, businessman Eric Villency.

The newspaper reported that the bill was sent to the US embassy in Athens after an aide complained that the meal was supposed to be complimentary. An embassy official later told the Daily Mail that Guilfoyle had paid the bill.

The newspaper also reported that members of her team sought two cases of Champagne through Giannis Chorozoglou, who helped arrange social engagements for the ambassador and her entourage.

In a subsequent report citing the Wall Street Journal, the Daily Mail said Guilfoyle had asked State Department officials whether they could get its article removed from the internet. Officials requested proof that she had paid the restaurant bill herself, but no receipt was provided, according to the report.

White House Sought Guilfoyle's Resignation

The White House announced on 13 October that it had asked Guilfoyle to resign. Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, announced this during her first briefing with reporters.

'We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign. She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well,' Zacharia said.

President Donald Trump had said the previous day that he was considering firing Guilfoyle. The White House did not publicly identify the Champagne story as the sole reason for seeking her departure.

The announcement followed a series of reports about her conduct, including allegations involving personal expenses and relationships with people who had business interests in Greece.

Guilfoyle Denies Allegations

Guilfoyle announced her resignation in a statement posted on X on 13 October. She thanked Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the opportunity to serve. 'Serving as the United States Ambassador to Greece has been the honor of a lifetime,' she wrote.

She also rejected the allegations. 'These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,' she said.

Her statement did not specifically address the reported request to remove the Daily Mail article.

Appointment and Diplomatic Tenure

Guilfoyle, a former prosecutor, Fox News presenter and Republican fundraiser, became a prominent figure in Trump's political circle through her relationship with his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.

The couple became engaged in 2020 but separated in 2024. Trump nominated her as ambassador to Greece in December 2024, and the Senate confirmed her appointment on 18 September 2025.

Her diplomatic role brought her into contact with Greek political and business figures as Washington sought to strengthen energy ties with Athens.

One figure who drew scrutiny was Christos Marafatsos, a lobbyist associated with Greek construction and energy company Aktor Group. The Wall Street Journal examined his relationship with Guilfoyle and his access to diplomatic meetings.

Donor Disputes Explanation For Payment Request

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Guilfoyle had asked Eric Deters, a Kentucky businessman and Republican donor, to pay a $100,000 (£76,000) American Express bill before her Senate confirmation hearing in 2025.

Deters told NBC News that she had offered access to senior administration officials in return. He said he did not make the payment.

Guilfoyle's lawyers said Deters owed her money for speaking engagements, which he denied. Her lawyer also challenged the authenticity of messages cited in the reporting.

A mainstream news organisation reported that the State Department's inspector general was investigating allegations concerning Guilfoyle's conduct. The existence of an investigation does not establish wrongdoing, and she has denied the allegations.