Kimberly Guilfoyle Resigns as Ambassador to Greece Amid Lavish Spending Allegations
Former Fox News host sought to remove Daily Mail reports on unpaid bills and her lifestyle prior to her departure.
Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece on Tuesday, following allegations of lavish spending and attempts to suppress negative press coverage. The White House confirmed her ouster, with press secretary Katie Zacharia announcing the resignation during her first briefing.
In the days preceding her removal, Guilfoyle reportedly asked State Department officials if they could persuade the Daily Mail to remove an exclusive report detailing an unpaid dining tab. The report stated that Guilfoyle refused to pay a $1,768 bill for a dinner and two cases of champagne at the upscale Matsuhisa restaurant within the Four Seasons Astir Palace near Athens. The bill was reportedly sent to the U.S. Embassy after one of Guilfoyle's aides claimed the meal should have been complimentary.
State Department officials requested proof of payment from Guilfoyle, which she failed to provide. Sources familiar with the exchange confirmed the bill was ultimately paid by the U.S. Embassy.
Guilfoyle's nearly year-long tenure has been marked by controversy. Her resignation followed a formal investigation launched by the State Department's Office of Inspector General (OIG) last week, also first reported by the Daily Mail. The investigation is reportedly examining allegations of potential substance abuse, unauthorized travel on private jets and helicopters, improper acceptance of gifts, and a close relationship with an energy and construction firm.
In a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, Guilfoyle denied all allegations, calling them "false" and vowing to "vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity."
Prior to her ambassadorship, Guilfoyle worked as a host for Fox News. Her financial dealings have drawn scrutiny, including a Wall Street Journal report detailing text messages in which she allegedly pressed a former congressional candidate to pay off a $100,000 American Express bill. The Daily Mail also exclusively reported a solicitation of $250,000 from Greek businessmen to cover the cost of her luxury G-wagon.
Staff within the Athens embassy have described a difficult work environment, with reports of Guilfoyle engaging in angry outbursts and threatening subordinates. Despite warnings after her Senate confirmation last September that her posting was not a license for excessive socializing, sources indicated she arrived aboard a private jet and hosted lavish parties, using official State Department email for RSVPs.
The White House has not commented on who might replace Guilfoyle as Ambassador to Greece. IMAGE2