White House asks Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign as U.S. ambassador to Greece

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced on Tuesday that the administration has asked U.S. ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign, describing her as a "wonderful asset" to the team.

The request comes a day after President Donald Trump told reporters he was "looking at" removing her, saying the administration was "not happy" with recent developments surrounding her tenure.

Multiple news outlets reported that Guilfoyle allegedly solicited Trump donor Eric Deters to wire $100,000 to pay off a personal American Express bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing in July 2025. According to messages reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, she offered Deters access to senior administration officials in exchange for the payment, though Deters says the transfer never occurred.

State Department officials have opened an investigation through the Office of Inspector General into claims that the ambassador engaged in improper conduct, including the acceptance of gifts, the promotion of a Greek energy company, and alleged threats toward Greek officials. The investigation also examines reports of a hostile workplace environment at the embassy.

Congressional Democrats, including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Gregory Meeks, have called for a thorough review of Guilfoyle’s actions. Vice President JD Vance emphasized the need to "see the facts" before drawing conclusions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially defended Guilfoyle’s performance, calling her a "strong ambassador," but later declined to comment directly on the allegations, criticizing reporters for relying on unnamed sources.

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News on‑air personality and longtime Trump ally who was engaged to Donald Trump Jr. before their 2024 split, issued a statement on X affirming her gratitude to President Trump and Secretary Rubio. She denied the accusations, labeling them "false" and pledging to "vigorously defend" her name and reputation.

Her legal representative, Jesse Binnall, disputed the authenticity of the messages and argued that the $100,000 represented unpaid speaking fees owed to the ambassador, not a quid pro quo scheme.

The White House has not specified an effective resignation date, and it remains unclear when an interim ambassador will be appointed.