Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns as ambassador amid influence-peddling scandal
Washington Examiner · RC · trust 60/100
Kimberly Guilfoyle announced she is stepping down as the U.S. ambassador to Greece following a White House request for her resignation as the former diplomat and Fox News host is hit with an array of misconduct allegations.
“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 said in a statement released Tuesday morning.
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White House press secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed Tuesday that President Donald Trump asked Guilfoyle to step down as allegations that she put pressure on a donor to pay off a credit card bill, accepted improper gifts, and made threats to Greek officials roiled the White House. Guilfoyle denied the allegations in the post announcing her resignation.
“These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,” Guilfoyle said. “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.”
Her post did not say when her effective resignation date is, but she called serving the United States as ambassador to Greece “the honor of my lifetime.”
“I will forever be grateful to President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for entrusting me with the extraordinary privilege of representing the greatest country in the history of the world,” Guilfoyle said.
The allegations against Guilfoyle stem from multiple media reports alleging misconduct, including a Wall Street Journal story that Guilfoyle pressured donor Eric Deters to help her pay off a $100,000 credit card bill, offering political connections in exchange.
Trump and Rubio were reportedly “extremely pissed off” by the reports of Guilfoyle’s misconduct, the Associated Press reported, citing a senior administration official.
Guilfoyle’s lawyers have called the allegations false, maintaining that the payment requested from Deters was for services such as public appearances and speaking engagements. They also shot down allegations that she improperly traveled on private planes, saying she “sought, obtained and followed” State Department travel guidance and regulations ahead of each of her travels.
Zacharia did not address who would replace Guilfoyle in Athens during her press briefing or when her resignation would be effective.
“She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well,” Zacharia said.
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