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Kimberly Guilfoyle quits as US ambassador to Greece after White House asks her to go
The former Fox News host faces reported allegations over a $100,000 credit card bill and favours for a Greek company. She denies them and says her loyalty to Trump is unchanged.
Key points
- The White House said: "We have asked ambassador Guilfoyle to resign."
- Guilfoyle is reported to have asked a Trump donor to cover a $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing.
- She called the allegations false and announced her resignation on social media.
Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as the US ambassador to Greece on Tuesday, shortly after the White House said it had asked her to step down over allegations of misconduct.
“We have asked ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” a White House spokesperson told reporters. Within hours Guilfoyle announced on social media that she was leaving the post, adding that her commitment to President Donald Trump and the “America First” movement would continue.
The allegations
Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and California prosecutor, is reported to have asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her confirmation hearing in Congress, in return for access to administration officials.
She is also alleged to have told guests at a reception that she could use American influence to undermine the Greek government, and to have promoted the interests of a Greek construction and energy company, letting one of its lobbyists sit in on private diplomatic meetings.
Her lawyers said the money was payment for earlier speaking engagements and public appearances for which she had not been paid. “These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,” Guilfoyle wrote.
A fast fall
Guilfoyle was once married to California Governor Gavin Newsom and was later engaged to Donald Trump Jr, the president’s eldest son.
Her standing slipped quickly this week. Asked on Monday about her future, Trump said: “Well, we’re looking at it.” He added: “We’re not happy.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier called her a “strong ambassador”. He later declined to comment on the allegations and criticised reporters for asking about them.