U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns after allegations of improper conduct

Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, resigned on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, after the White House requested her departure following allegations of improper conduct during her tenure. The resignation came days after The Wall Street Journal reported that Guilfoyle had allegedly asked wealthy Trump donor Eric Deters to pay her $100,000 American Express credit card bill in exchange for assistance with his tax and legal matters before her Senate confirmation hearing in July 2025. According to messages obtained by the Journal, Guilfoyle suggested the transfer would not appear in financial records if made directly to American Express.

In a statement on X, Guilfoyle denied the allegations, stating: "These allegations are false and I intend to defend vigorously my name, my reputation and my integrity." She emphasized her decades of public service and commitment to justice and American values. White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed Trump had requested Guilfoyle's resignation, saying she "has been a wonderful asset to the team." Guilfoyle's legal representatives disputed the authenticity of the messages and claimed any disputed funds were payment for speaking engagements and public appearances conducted before her ambassadorial appointment.

The departure marked an unusual end to Guilfoyle's posting. Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas declined to offer her a traditional farewell ceremony, a protocol normally extended to departing ambassadors. Embassy staff told the Daily Mail that the sudden ouster was "unprecedented" and notably different from typical quiet transitions. Some staff members expressed relief at her departure, with one describing her as "horrible and mean" and unwilling to listen to experienced career diplomats.

The controversy extended beyond the credit card allegations. Earlier reporting by The Wall Street Journal detailed Guilfoyle's connections to wealthy individuals in the Balkan energy and construction sectors, involving luxury dinners, galas, and private jet travel. She also faced separate allegations of recorded outbursts, including complaints about not being invited to events with the Trump family. Deters, a retired Kentucky lawyer, subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against Guilfoyle over the allegations.

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., was among Trump's earliest ambassadorial appointments in his second term. The Department of State declined to comment on whether the inspector general had conducted an investigation into her conduct.