Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned as the United States ambassador to Greece after the White House asked her to step down amid allegations of improper conduct before and during her diplomatic posting.
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced the decision on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during her first briefing in the role.
Guilfoyle later confirmed that she would leave the post, while saying she intended to defend herself against the allegations.
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Why Kimberly Guilfoyle was asked to leave
The White House decision followed reports that Guilfoyle had sought a $100,000 payment from Eric Deters, a political supporter and donor, to cover an American Express bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing in 2025.
Deters has alleged that the request was connected to access to senior Trump administration officials, although Guilfoyle has disputed the accusations.
The allegations have not been established as criminal findings, and Guilfoyle is entitled to respond through any administrative or congressional review.
President Donald Trump said Monday that he was considering removing Guilfoyle and indicated that he was unhappy with the situation.
The White House did not announce a replacement for the ambassador on Tuesday.
Congress had already raised questions about her conduct
Guilfoyle’s departure came after lawmakers had begun seeking answers about her activities in Greece and elsewhere in southeastern Europe, amid congressional scrutiny.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review allegations that Guilfoyle improperly advocated for a foreign company and allowed a registered lobbyist to participate in official meetings.
Shaheen’s October 6 letter also questioned whether Guilfoyle had accepted transportation, hospitality or other benefits from private interests connected to Greece’s energy and construction sectors.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, separately called for information about Guilfoyle’s official engagements and urged her removal if the allegations were accurate.
The House inquiry focused in part on Christos Marafatsos, a registered lobbyist whose clients included Greek business interests, and his reported presence at meetings involving American and foreign officials.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about remarks reportedly made by Guilfoyle at a March 2026 dinner in Greece, where she allegedly discussed the possibility of the United States influencing political change in allied countries.
Those claims have generated concern in both Greece and Romania because they touch on the limits of diplomatic involvement in the domestic politics of partner countries.
Guilfoyle’s role in Greece
Guilfoyle was confirmed by the Senate in 2025 and became the first woman to serve as U.S. ambassador to Greece.
Before entering government, she worked as a prosecutor, television host and political commentator.
She was also previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr., a relationship that placed her within the president’s wider political circle.
During her confirmation process, Guilfoyle emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Greece security relationship, NATO cooperation and expanded American energy exports to southeastern Europe.
Greece is a strategic U.S. partner because of its location in the eastern Mediterranean, its NATO membership and its role in regional energy and security arrangements.
Her diplomatic agenda included defence cooperation, energy infrastructure and stronger commercial ties between the United States and Greece.
What happens next
The State Department will have to manage the transition at the U.S. Embassy in Athens while the administration considers a replacement.
A formal ambassadorial appointment would normally require a presidential nomination and Senate consideration.
Congressional scrutiny may continue even after Guilfoyle leaves the post, particularly if lawmakers seek documents or further explanations about her meetings, financial dealings or contacts with private-sector representatives.
The questions surrounding the ambassador also come at a sensitive time for U.S.-Greece relations, with both countries pursuing closer defence and energy cooperation.
For now, the immediate political outcome is clear: Guilfoyle’s tenure as ambassador ended after less than a year as allegations about her conduct intensified and the White House withdrew its support.
The resignation does not by itself resolve the underlying claims, which could remain subject to congressional, administrative or ethics reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kimberly Guilfoyle resign as ambassador to Greece?
The White House asked Guilfoyle to resign after allegations involving a $100,000 payment request and concerns about her conduct as ambassador drew growing scrutiny.
Was Kimberly Guilfoyle fired?
The White House said it asked her to resign, and Guilfoyle subsequently confirmed that she would leave the position.
What allegations were made against Guilfoyle?
The allegations include seeking payment from a donor for a personal credit card bill and using her diplomatic position in ways that raised questions about private business interests and official meetings.
Did Congress investigate Kimberly Guilfoyle?
Members of both the House and Senate sought reviews and information from the State Department about her meetings, contacts with lobbyists and reported conduct in Greece and Romania.
Who will replace Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece?
The White House had not announced a replacement as of October 13, 2026, and a permanent successor would normally require presidential nomination and Senate consideration.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, Guilfoyle’s diplomatic role and congressional scrutiny were checked against Senate and House Foreign Affairs Committee records and official government information.
Disclaimer: The allegations described in this article have not been presented as final criminal or ethics findings, and Guilfoyle has the opportunity to respond to them.