The administration of United States President Donald Trump has requested the resignation of Kimberly Guilfoyle from her diplomatic post as ambassador to Greece. The decision follows a wave of controversy surrounding allegations of improper conduct during her tenure in Athens.
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia delivered the announcement during a brief media appearance. Zacharia offered minimal commentary regarding the departure, though she expressed gratitude for Guilfoyle's prior service and extended well wishes.
Scrutiny intensified after reports surfaced detailing text messages allegedly sent by Guilfoyle to a prominent political donor. The communications reportedly showed the ambassador requesting that the donor settle a personal credit card balance in exchange for political access. Additional reports cited leaked audio recordings in which she allegedly bragged about luxury travel funded by local business figures and made controversial remarks regarding the Greek government.
President Trump addressed reporters earlier in the week, stating that he was displeased by the media reports surrounding the envoy. While acknowledging her work in the country, the president confirmed that she would no longer hold the position. He noted that he did not speak with her directly prior to requesting her departure.
Guilfoyle has strongly denied any wrongdoing, categorizing the allegations as entirely false. In a statement published on social media, she vowed to protect her reputation and criticized the claims as an attack on her decades of public service. Representatives for the former ambassador argued that the contested communications pertained to legitimate compensation for prior speaking and consulting engagements rather than political favors.
The individual at the center of the financial dispute publicly welcomed the administration's decision, calling it a positive development for American diplomacy. The donor denied owing any money for past services and indicated intentions to pursue legal action.
Guilfoyle, a former television commentator and long-standing political ally of the president, was nominated to the diplomatic post shortly before the administration took office. Her tenure concluded amid mounting pressure from administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reportedly grew dissatisfied with the unfolding scandal.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
