Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned as US ambassador to Greece after the White House asked her to leave, bringing an abrupt end to her diplomatic posting amid an investigation into allegations about her conduct and spending.
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed the administration’s decision during her first briefing, saying: “We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign, she has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well.”
Guilfoyle later announced her resignation in a post on X, insisting that the allegations against her were “false” and vowing to “vigorously defend” her name and reputation.
She thanked Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighted her record in Athens and said she would remain a “loyal supporter” of the President and his MAGA mission.
Mr Trump had said on Monday that he was considering removing the ambassador following a series of negative reports about her conduct. The State Department had formally opened an inspector general investigation into complaints concerning her leadership and the use of corporate perks at the US embassy in Athens.
Three sources said the inquiry was examining allegations including potential substance abuse, the use of private planes and helicopters, a close relationship with an energy and construction company, and the improper acceptance of gifts. The claims have not been established.
Guilfoyle had also faced allegations that she solicited a $100,000 payment from a donor towards personal credit card debt in exchange for political access. Her lawyers rejected that characterisation, saying a dispute with the businessman involved unpaid fees for speaking engagements and consulting work carried out in 2024 and early 2025.
They said he owed Guilfoyle about $150,000. She has also denied the wider allegations surrounding her time as ambassador.
The resignation came as Zacharia made her first appearance at the White House podium after replacing Karoline Leavitt. The 41-year-old lawyer and political commentator was appointed after a rapid 72-hour rise to the administration’s top media role.
Zacharia moved to Washington from California with her husband and children only days ago after being offered the position by Mr Trump. Her opening briefing lasted 14 minutes, with questions taken from three outlets.
Pressure on Guilfoyle had been growing in Washington. The senior Democrats on the Senate and House foreign affairs committees had urged Mr Rubio to investigate her, with Representative Gregory Meeks saying that, if the reports were accurate, she was “unfit to represent the United States abroad” and should be removed.
Republican Senate Majority Whip John Barasso described the reports as “very troubling” and “concerning”, adding that he expected the State Department and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to examine the matter.
