A diplomatic tenure that began with high-profile confirmation has abruptly ended as US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle was asked to resign by President Donald Trump's administration. White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced the departure following mounting scrutiny over allegations that Guilfoyle asked a Trump donor to pay her credit card bill in exchange for administrative access.

According to BBC News, White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced during a short media briefing that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign, noting that she "had been a wonderful asset to the team." President Trump told reporters earlier in the week, as reported by BBC News, that he was "not happy" with the allegations and that she would "not be there" in Greece any longer, despite believing she had done a good job.

The controversy intensified after reports by The Wall Street Journal and text messages seen by the BBC emerged. The messages allegedly show Guilfoyle asking Eric Deters, a long-time Trump ally, for money, writing in a Signal message: "It won't show up anywhere if you wire money to American Express." According to The Wall Street Journal, audio recordings also reportedly feature Guilfoyle boasting about connections to Greek business tycoons and claiming the US could topple the Greek government. Guilfoyle's lawyers disputed the authenticity of the text messages, stating she was asking for money owed for previous speeches and consulting work.

In a lengthy post on X, cited by BBC News, Guilfoyle denied any wrongdoing, stated she intended to vigorously defend her name and integrity, and thanked President Trump while calling the ambassadorship the "honour of a lifetime."

Background

Kimberly Guilfoyle, a 57-year-old former Fox News host and the ex-wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, was first nominated as the US envoy to Athens in December 2024, a month before President Trump returned to the White House. Her position grew increasingly tenuous over a week of mounting improper behaviour allegations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who traveled to Athens alongside Guilfoyle, had also reportedly become unhappy with the situation, according to BBC News.

Why it matters

For international observers and readers following global affairs, diplomatic appointments and the conduct of envoys represent key elements of bilateral relations between nations. Such developments highlight the strict scrutiny officials face regarding administrative integrity and public office conduct.