Trump Distances Himself From Ousted Greek Ambassador Guilfoyle
Former President dismisses past relationship with Kimberly Guilfoyle, who resigned amid investigation into her conduct.
President Donald Trump has publicly distanced himself from Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former U.S. Ambassador to Greece, following her resignation from the post. Guilfoyle stepped down on Tuesday amidst an investigation by the State Department's Inspector General into allegations concerning her lifestyle and spending habits in Athens.
When asked by a journalist if he was surprised by the allegations against Guilfoyle, whom he characterized as having been "almost a member of your family," Trump responded, "No, she wasn't a member of my family." He added dismissively, "She, I guess, dated my son a long time ago."
Guilfoyle began a relationship with Donald Trump Jr. in 2018, which lasted for six years. The couple became engaged on New Year's Eve 2020, but never married. By late 2024, Donald Trump Jr. had moved on to a new relationship.
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed that Trump had asked Guilfoyle to resign during her inaugural briefing. Zacharia stated, "We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign, she has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well."
A source close to Guilfoyle told the Daily Mail that she did not take the news well, reportedly making excuses and calling the situation unfair. In a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Guilfoyle maintained that the allegations against her are "false" and vowed to "vigorously defend" her name and reputation.
"I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service," Guilfoyle wrote. "While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end."
Guilfoyle expressed gratitude to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting her record in Athens and pledging continued support for the President and his agenda.
Trump had previously indicated on Monday that he was considering the removal of his U.S. ambassador to Greece following a series of negative reports about her conduct.
The Daily Mail's exclusive report last week detailed an official probe opened by the State Department into complaints regarding Guilfoyle's alleged "tyrannical" leadership and acceptance of lavish corporate perks at the U.S. Embassy in Athens. The Inspector General's office is reportedly examining allegations of potential substance abuse, use of private aircraft, a close relationship with an energy and construction company, and improper gift acceptance.
Zacharia's debut briefing was marked by the announcement of Guilfoyle's departure. The new press secretary, a lawyer and political commentator, assumed the role recently, replacing Karoline Leavitt.
Guilfoyle had faced mounting pressure over accusations, including allegedly soliciting a $100,000 donor payment towards personal credit card debt in exchange for political access.
Senior Democrats on the Senate and House foreign affairs committees had urged Secretary of State Rubio to investigate Guilfoyle, with Representative Gregory Meeks stating that if the reports were accurate, Guilfoyle was "unfit to represent the United States abroad and should be removed from her position."
Further reports from the Daily Mail detailed an incident where Guilfoyle reportedly asked an acquaintance, Eric Deters, to secretly provide her with alcohol during a political festival and to compliment her in front of Donald Trump Jr. in an effort to regain his favor. Deters also claimed Guilfoyle insisted on taking leftover catering food from the event.
Guilfoyle's lawyers have contested these allegations, framing the dispute with Deters as a matter of unpaid work rather than an attempt to sell access.
Republican leaders have also expressed concern. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso described the reports as "very troubling" and "concerning," stating that he expected the State Department to investigate and that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee would conduct its own oversight.
President Trump had previously grown impressed with Zacharia's media appearances, leading to her appointment as press secretary.