Kimberly Guilfoyle Resigns as US Ambassador to Greece After White House Request Amid Allegations

Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned as United States ambassador to Greece after the White House asked her to leave the post. New Press Secretary Katie Zacharia announced the request during her first briefing on 13 October 2026. Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and onetime fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., confirmed her departure on social media while rejecting the allegations against her.

The decision follows a series of reports, beginning in The Wall Street Journal, that detailed claims of improper behaviour. These include text messages in which Guilfoyle allegedly asked a Trump donor, Eric Deters, to pay a $100,000 American Express bill in exchange for access to administration figures before her confirmation. Separate accounts describe private-jet travel funded by Greek business figures, promotion of commercial projects, and remarks about using US influence against the Greek government.

President Trump told reporters he was not happy with what he had read. He described Guilfoyle as having done a good job but said she would not remain in Athens. He added that he had not spoken with her personally. Guilfoyle posted that the allegations are false and that she intends to defend her name and reputation. She said her respect for Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio remains unchanged.

US lawmakers had raised concerns after the Journal stories. Britain's Daily Mail reported that the State Department's inspector general was examining complaints from embassy staff. Guilfoyle took up the ambassadorship in late 2025 after the split with Donald Trump Jr. Her tenure has been shorter than typical for political appointees.

The ouster arrives as the Trump administration prepares for midterm elections. Zacharia, who is new in the press secretary role, delivered the announcement without additional detail on the specific findings that prompted the request. Guilfoyle's formal resignation was received by the White House later on 13 October.

Diplomatic postings involving high-profile political figures have drawn scrutiny in previous administrations when personal financial arrangements or local relationships became public. The Greece embassy will now require a new nominee. In the interim, a career diplomat is expected to serve as chargé d'affaires. The episode adds to a list of high-level departures that have marked the current administration's early months.

Guilfoyle's statement emphasised her record of public service and denied any exchange of access for personal benefit. Deters has spoken publicly about the messages. The Journal has published portions of the correspondence and descriptions of audio recordings. No criminal charges have been filed. The State Department has not released a formal investigative summary.

The vacancy leaves the United States without a confirmed ambassador in Athens at a moment when regional security issues, including shipping in the eastern Mediterranean and energy routes, remain active. A replacement will require Senate confirmation. Until then, the embassy's day-to-day operations continue under existing staff.