Guilfoyle pushed out amid mounting scandals
The Hill · C · trust 48/100
Comments: by Julia Manchester , Mallory Wilson and Laura Kelly - 10/13/26 5:53 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Julia Manchester , Mallory Wilson and Laura Kelly - 10/13/26 5:53 PM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned on Tuesday following President Trump’s request, with a stream of negative news stories souring her relationship with the president.
“We didn’t like what we were reading,” Trump said, commenting on Guilfoyle’s ousting.
The president’s remarks followed shortly after White House press secretary Katie Zacharia told reporters that Guilfoyle was asked to resign, during her first press briefing.
It served as a stunning rebuke of a high-profile Trump ally, who had managed to secure a coveted, important ambassadorship in Athens even after ending an engagement with the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., in 2024.
But Trump distanced himself from Guilfoyle, responding to a reporter that “She wasn’t a member of my family. I guess she dated my son a long time ago.”
“She was doing a good job, but we didn’t like what we were reading,” he said, before adding that he did not speak with Guilfoyle.
The Wall Street Journal first reported last week that Guilfoyle asked Trump donor Eric Deters to pay a $100,000 credit card bill and instructed him to do so via wire transfer to avoid a paper trail.
The Associated Press then reported Sunday that Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were considering firing Guilfoyle.
Over the weekend, the Journal also reported that senior Trump administration officials were discussing the ambassador’s future in her post and that a decision from Trump would be coming shortly.
The outlet reported new allegations that wealthy Greek businessmen helped fund Guilfoyle’s luxury travel as she used her role to promote their business interests.
Guilfoyle addressed her resignation in a statement on the social platform X, saying she rejected the allegations against her and would “vigorously” defend herself.
“I have dedicated my professional life to fighting for justice, standing up for what is right, and defending the values that make America exceptional. I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service,” she 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’s lawyers had earlier denied any wrongdoing. She reportedly is facing investigation by the State Department’s inspector general’s office.
As late as Tuesday, Guilfoyle was posting on social media about attending a diplomatic reception in her capacity as ambassador to Greece. The event marked Spain’s national day.
“The U.S. greatly values our deep transatlantic alliance and enduring partnership with Spain and Greece as we work together for regional peace and security,” Guilfoyle posted, alongside a photo with Spain’s ambassador to Greece .
On Sunday, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) acknowledged in an interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation” that he was “troubled” by the allegations.
“What we’ve seen in the reports is very troubling. It’s concerning. And I’m sure there’s going to be an investigation. I would assume the State Department would be conducting that,” Barrasso, who traveled with Trump on Monday, said.
“I know that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will have oversight and look into that as well. But I think the public has a right to know what was — what is found, and it is quite a bit of concern,” he continued.
However, Guilfoyle’s ousting does not likely end scrutiny into her tenure as ambassador to Greece. The State Department’s inspector general launched an investigation into her conduct, the Daily Mail reported — looking into allegations of substance abuse, use of private planes and helicopters, a close relationship with an energy and construction company, improper gift acceptance and more.
It’s not clear if an investigation would cease after Guilfoyle’s departure, as the Office of Inspector General can use the report to make recommendations to the State Department to counter any potential wrongdoing in the future.
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a call on Sunday for the State OIG to investigate Guilfoyle. In a statement on the social platform X , Meeks said that “resigning does not shield her from accountability.”
“Guilfoyle used her position as a Trump official to get rich, while American families struggle with the cost of living,” he posted.
“Congress must conduct oversight to understand how this happened and hold the admin accountable.”
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement she was “glad” the administration took action to oust Guilfoyle.
“I’m glad that action was taken in this instance, but Secretary Rubio must provide assurances to the American people that Ambassadors work on behalf of every American and are held to the highest standards,” Shaheen said.
The fallout over Guilfoyle’s ouster comes as the Trump administration and the president’s allies field numerous allegations of corruption ahead of the midterm elections.
Last week, a report surfaced that Trump’s political advisers Chris LaCivita and James Blair traveled to the Balkans to advise a pro-Russian political party ahead of an election. Trump responded saying he was unaware of the trip, and that he would fire the pair if any wrongdoing was committed.
Trump has also come under scrutiny for ties to his family’s…
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