Trump administration requests resignation of US ambassador to Greece amid ethics allegations

President Donald Trump’s White House announced on Tuesday that it had asked U.S. ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign. The decision was communicated by White House press secretary Katie Zacharia during her first briefing, where she said the administration had requested Guilfoyle’s departure but provided no further details.

The move follows a series of media reports, initially published by The Wall Street Journal, alleging that Guilfoyle asked a prominent Trump supporter, identified as Eric Deters, to cover a $100,000 personal credit‑card bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing in July 2025. The same reports claim she also accepted luxury trips and hotel stays from wealthy Greek businessmen, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and misuse of her diplomatic position.

Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and long‑time Trump ally, has publicly rejected the allegations. In a post on the social platform X, she described the accusations as false and said she would vigorously defend her name, reputation and integrity. She also highlighted her work as ambassador, citing efforts to increase U.S. energy exports and strengthen security cooperation with Greece.

The White House’s stance was echoed by President Trump, who said he was not happy with what he had read about the ambassador’s conduct and that, despite her previous performance, she would no longer serve in Athens. The president’s comments were brief and did not include any direct interaction with Guilfoyle.

Sources differ on aspects of Guilfoyle’s personal background. France 24 describes her as a former Fox News host and ex‑fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., while the BBC refers to her as the ex‑wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Both outlets agree on her professional history and the timing of the resignation request.

The resignation request marks the end of Guilfoyle’s diplomatic tenure, which began after her nomination in December 2024 and confirmation in mid‑2025. Her departure comes amid heightened scrutiny of ethical standards within the Trump administration, particularly regarding the handling of donor relationships and foreign hospitality.

No official comment has been released by the State Department or by Eric Deters regarding the alleged payment request. The situation remains under investigation, and Guilfoyle has pledged to continue defending herself against what she calls unfounded accusations.

The episode adds to a broader pattern of ethical controversies that have surfaced during Trump’s current term, prompting calls from various quarters for greater transparency and stricter enforcement of conflict‑of‑interest rules for appointed officials.