White House pushes out Kimberly Guilfoyle after misconduct reports
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U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, on Oct. 7. Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/ Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece, announced her resignation Tuesday, shortly after the White House asked her to step down and following reports alleging misconduct before and during her diplomatic posting.
Why it matters: The exit of the president's longtime political ally and former fiancée of his son Donald Trump Jr. follows a series of Wall Street Journal reports alleging she used her political connections to seek financial favors and promote private business interests.
- Guilfoyle has denied any wrongdoing.
- White House press secretary Katie Zacharia said Tuesday during her first press briefing that Guilfoyle was asked to resign.
- "She has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well," Zacharia said.
Driving the news: "My gratitude and respect for President Trump and Secretary Rubio remain unwavering," Guilfoyle wrote in a post on X on Tuesday.
- "I am proud of what we accomplished together, and I will always be a loyal supporter of President Trump and his mission to Make America Great Again."
- "While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the United States of America."
Guilfoyle's removal isn't entirely surprising, as Trump told reporters yesterday that he was "looking at" firing Guilfoyle following the allegations: "We're not happy," he said.
- Those comments follow a senior U.S. official telling AP that Trump and Rubio were "extremely pissed off" about the reports and were considering dismissing her.
- The U.S. Embassy in Athens and the State Department did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Zacharia declined to answer additional questions about Guilfoyle and referred reporters to the president.
Catch up quick: The WSJ's Oct. 8 report said that Guilfoyle allegedly sought $100,000 from a Trump donor to pay a credit card bill before her Senate confirmation hearing and offered access to Trump administration officials in return. The donor did not make the payment.
- An earlier investigation alleged she promoted the interests of a Greek construction and energy company and allowed its lobbyist into private diplomatic meetings.
- The WSJ also reported that recordings captured Guilfoyle allegedly discussing private jet travel and luxury hospitality provided by wealthy Greek businessmen.
For the record: Guilfoyle's lawyer disputed the authenticity of messages the WSJ cited and the U.S. Embassy in Athens said she has followed State Department ethics and gift-reporting guidelines.
Zoom in: In her statement, Guilfoyle once again said that the allegations against her are "false."
- "I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity. I have dedicated my professional life to fighting for justice, standing up for what is right, and defending the values that make America exceptional. I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service."
Zoom out: Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly defended Guilfoyle during a visit to Athens on Oct. 7, calling her "a strong ambassador."
- A day later, Rubio declined to address the allegations, saying he didn't know whether they were true.
Flashback: Trump nominated Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and California prosecutor, in December 2024. The Senate confirmed her in September 2025.
What we're watching: The State Department's inspector general is reviewing the allegations, AP reported, citing an unnamed U.S. official. It is unclear whether a formal investigation has begun.
- Congressional Democrats have called for an investigation, with Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, requesting on Oct. 10 that Guilfoyle testify under oath.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with more information.
