WASHINGTON/ATHENS (Web Desk) - The White House has asked US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign following media reports alleging that she offered access to Trump administration officials in exchange for money, gifts and favors.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he was considering dismissing Guilfoyle, who was previously engaged to his son Donald Trump Jr. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters that she had been doing a good job but added that the administration was concerned about the reports.
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign, describing her as a valuable member of the team and wishing her well.
Guilfoyle denied any wrongdoing in a statement posted on X, reaffirming her support for Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She said the allegations were false and vowed to defend her reputation and integrity.
The controversy follows a series of reports by The Wall Street Journal, beginning last month, concerning Guilfoyle’s conduct during her tenure in Athens. One report described her relationship with a lobbyist representing a Greek energy company and alleged that she promoted the firm.
Another report cited audio recordings in which Guilfoyle allegedly discussed her connections with wealthy Greek businessmen while seeking an invitation to a Davos dinner honouring Eric Trump, another of the president’s sons.
US businessman Eric Deters also told the newspaper that Guilfoyle had offered access to administration officials in exchange for money. He alleged that she had once asked him to pay a $100,000 credit card bill.
Separately, Britain’s Daily Mail reported last week that the State Department’s internal watchdog was investigating complaints of inappropriate behaviour involving staff at the US Embassy in Athens.
The reports prompted concern among US lawmakers, including allegations that Guilfoyle had threatened to use American influence to undermine the Greek government.
The Greek government has not commented on the allegations concerning Guilfoyle’s tenure as ambassador.
Guilfoyle, a former prosecutor in San Francisco, maintained that the allegations were false and said her commitment to Trump, his America First movement and the United States would remain unchanged, even if her ambassadorial tenure ended.