White House Asks Kimberly Guilfoyle to Resign as Ambassador to Greece Amid Misconduct Claims

The White House asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign as U.S. ambassador to Greece on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. New press secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed the request during her first briefing. Guilfoyle later announced her departure on social media while denying the allegations against her.

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and prosecutor, was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr. She served as ambassador from November 2025. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that she asked a Trump donor, Eric Deters, to cover a $100,000 American Express bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing. She allegedly promised access to administration officials in return. Her lawyers disputed the messages.

Additional reports described claims of lavish gifts, involvement with a Greek construction company, and statements about using U.S. influence regarding the Greek government. The State Department's internal watchdog examined complaints from embassy staff, according to the Daily Mail. Trump told reporters he did not like what he was reading and had not spoken with her personally. He said she had been doing a good job but that the reports prompted the request.

Guilfoyle posted that her time as ambassador may be ending but that her commitment to Trump and the America First movement continues. She pledged to defend her name and integrity. The move ends a high-profile tenure for a longtime Trump ally. No replacement was named immediately. The Greek government has not commented publicly on the resignation as of Tuesday evening.

The case raises questions about diplomatic appointments and oversight of personal finances for ambassadors. U.S. law restricts certain payments and gifts for officials. Guilfoyle's confirmation occurred after the reported request to the donor. Senate scrutiny of her nomination had already drawn attention to her ties to the Trump family. The timing of the resignation, just days after major reporting, shows how quickly the administration moved once the stories gained traction.

Observers noted that this is not the first time a Trump-appointed diplomat faced questions about conduct. Previous cases involved different issues, from staffing to policy disputes. Here the focus remains on the specific claims of financial assistance tied to access. Deters has spoken publicly about the exchanges. Guilfoyle's team has said some payments related to prior speaking arrangements, which the donor rejected.

Athens has maintained close defense and energy ties with Washington under the current administration. Guilfoyle's departure creates a temporary vacancy at a moment when Mediterranean security issues remain active. The embassy continues routine operations under the deputy chief of mission until a new ambassador is confirmed. Confirmation of any successor will require Senate action, a process that took months for Guilfoyle.

The administration's decision to request the resignation rather than wait for a formal investigation outcome signals a preference for rapid resolution of public controversies. Zacharia described Guilfoyle as a wonderful asset while announcing the request. Trump's later comments were more measured. The gap between the two statements drew notice from reporters at the briefing and on the South Lawn.

For now, the story rests on the documented reporting, Guilfoyle's denial, and the White House's public request. Further details may emerge from the donor, the embassy staff complaints, or any subsequent legal steps Guilfoyle pursues. The immediate result is a vacant post in Athens and another example of how personal financial allegations can end a diplomatic assignment.