Kimberly Guilfoyle refutes allegations, highlights her record
Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns as US ambassador to Greece, vows to fight misconduct allegations Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia

Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as US ambassador to Greece on Tuesday, 13 October, after the White House asked her to step down following reports of alleged misconduct. She denied wrongdoing and pledged to defend her reputation.

In a statement posted on X, Guilfoyle rejected the accusations and reaffirmed her commitment to President Donald Trump. She also highlighted what she described as diplomatic achievements, including expanding American energy exports and strengthening relations between Washington and Athens.

Guilfoyle Denies Allegations and Defends Her Reputation

'These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,' Guilfoyle wrote.

'I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service,' she added.

Guilfoyle thanked Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for entrusting her with the ambassadorship, describing the role as an honour.

She also made clear that leaving the post would not end her support for the administration.

'While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end,' she wrote.

White House Confirms Resignation Request

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed the administration's request on Tuesday. 'We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,' she said, adding that Guilfoyle had been 'a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well'.

Trump had expressed displeasure on Monday, telling reporters the administration was considering the situation and was 'not happy'. After Guilfoyle's resignation was announced, he said she had been doing a good job in Greece but added that he did not like what he had read. He also said he had not spoken to her personally about the decision.

Guilfoyle, who was formerly engaged to Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, took up the ambassadorial role in September 2025.

Her statement said her time as ambassador was coming to an end, while the Associated Press reported that she had resigned following the White House's request.

Financial Claims Spark Controversy

Reports alleged that Guilfoyle sought $100,000 from Republican donor Eric Deters to pay an American Express bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing in July 2025.

Deters alleged that she offered access to administration officials in return for the payment. He said he did not transfer the money.

In a statement to CNN, Guilfoyle's lawyers disputed his account, saying Deters owed her money for speaking engagements and consulting work performed before she was nominated ambassador. They argued that seeking payment for previously performed work did not constitute corruption. Deters disputed the characterisation of the request, and the competing accounts remain unresolved.

The allegations have not established that Guilfoyle engaged in corruption or exchanged official influence for personal payment.

Gifts, Travel and Official Meetings Under Scrutiny

The Journal also reported allegations concerning gifts, travel and the involvement of a lobbyist for Greek construction and energy company Aktor in official meetings.

Guilfoyle's lawyers said she complied with federal gift and reporting requirements. Regarding private-aircraft use, they said she sought and received State Department guidance before each trip, followed that guidance and complied with travel regulations.

The reports have raised questions about her conduct, but the allegations should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing.

Guilfoyle Highlights Diplomatic Achievements

In her statement, Guilfoyle said her tenure helped advance agreements to expand American liquefied natural gas exports to Europe and develop the Vertical Corridor energy initiative.

She also cited stronger defence and security cooperation with Greece, a NATO ally, and increased opportunities for American businesses and investors.

Guilfoyle credited Trump, Rubio and US diplomatic personnel for those efforts. She thanked the Greek people for their hospitality and partnership while reaffirming her support for the administration's America First agenda.

These achievements formed part of her own account of her tenure, alongside her rejection of the allegations.

Greek Opposition Demands Answers

Before the resignation announcement, Greek opposition politicians called for Guilfoyle to be summoned over a reported remark that Washington could undermine the Greek government if it chose to do so.

The allegation was reported by The Journal and has not been established as fact.

Sia Anagnostopoulou, a former deputy foreign minister, described the issue in parliament as a matter of national dignity.

Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis rejected the call for a summons, citing Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou's denial that any threat had been made. He argued that a diplomatic dispute over the allegation was unnecessary in those circumstances.

Inspector General Reportedly Examining Allegations

Scrutiny of the allegations extends beyond Guilfoyle's departure. The Associated Press reported that the State Department's inspector general was looking into the claims, citing a US official who could not confirm whether a formal investigation had begun.

The department declined to comment on a potential investigation. No formal finding of wrongdoing has been established in the reporting cited here, and Guilfoyle has maintained that the allegations against her are false.