White House asks Guilfoyle to step down as ambassador to Greece after 8 months of alleged pay-for-access schemes: ‘absolutely was a quid pro quo’

Kimberly Guilfoyle is stepping down as the US ambassador to Greece following a series of reports alleging she sought payment from a donor in exchange for access to administration officials. The White House announced the decision on Tuesday morning, effectively ending the diplomatic tenure of one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent political allies after only eight months in the role.

The White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, confirmed the news during her first briefing on Tuesday. She said, “We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign, she has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well.”

While Guilfoyle confirmed her departure after media uproar, she described the position as the “honor of a lifetime” and denied the allegations against her as “false.” In a post on social media, she stated, “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.” She also pledged to “vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity.”

The controversy centers on claims that Guilfoyle leveraged her position for personal gain

Reports indicate that in July 2025, days before her Senate confirmation hearing, she pressured donor Eric Deters to pay a $100,000 American Express bill. According to the reports, she assured him the transfer would not be traceable, writing, “Honey please I need you to get this done for me today.”

Guilfoyle allegedly offered to use her influence regarding his tax and legal issues, claiming she had contacted the IRS commissioner and the Justice Department on his behalf. Deters has stated he paid Guilfoyle about $300,000 over the years without receiving any favors, telling MS Now that the request “absolutely was a quid pro quo.”

Guilfoyle’s lawyer, Jesse Binnall, has stated that she disputes the authenticity of the messages. Even so, the allegations have been extensive. Reports have suggested she accepted improper gifts, promoted the interests of a Greek company named Aktor during official engagements, and allegedly threatened a host-country official.

One particularly damaging claim suggested she told the Greek energy minister that Washington could topple the local government if they did not align with her interests. This caused significant outrage in Greece, leading the country’s foreign minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, to address the matter during a parliamentary debate on October 9.

The situation created significant friction within the administration. Sources indicate that both President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio became furious over the allegations. Former senior US diplomat Alec Mally noted that the embassy in Athens was placed in an impossible situation, describing Guilfoyle’s behavior as reminiscent of an old-style Balkan country. He added, “It would not surprise me if the Greek public reacts with joy to the news of her resignation.”

Guilfoyle, 57, a former San Francisco prosecutor, became a staple of the Trump political orbit after joining the campaign in 2018. Following a lengthy nomination process that required Republicans to use the “nuclear option” in September 2025 to overcome a filibuster, she arrived in Athens in late October 2025. Her time there was marked by unconventional behavior, including visits to local music clubs shortly after her arrival.