Kimberly Guilfoyle asked to resign as ambassador after reports she asked Trump donor to pay bill

Kimberly Guilfoyle and Marco Rubio in Athens, Greece on 7 October 2026. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/ReutersView image in fullscreenKimberly Guilfoyle and Marco Rubio in Athens, Greece on 7 October 2026. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/ReutersKimberly Guilfoyle asked to resign as ambassador after reports she asked Trump donor to pay billDecision about US ambassador to Greece announced by White House after Trump and Rubio were reportedly furious over allegations

Kimberly Guilfoyle has been asked to step down as US ambassador to Greece, after weeks of reports that she sought payment from a Trump donor in exchange for access to administration officials.

The decision, announced by the White House on Tuesday morning, ends the diplomatic career of one of Trump’s longest-standing political allies. It came after Trump and Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, were reported to have grown furious over the allegations.

“We have asked ambassador Guilfyole to resign, she has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well,” said Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, during her first briefing on Tuesday.

The most serious claim, first reported by the Wall Street Journal on 8 October, centers on the donor Eric Deters.

Citing Signal messages, the paper reported that in July 2025, days before her Senate confirmation hearing, Guilfoyle pressed Deters to pay off a $100,000 American Express bill, assuring him the transfer would not show up anywhere. “Honey please I need you to get this done for me today,” she wrote, according to the report.

Guilfoyle offered to use her influence on his tax and legal problems in return and told him she had contacted the IRS commissioner and the justice department on his behalf.

He has also said he paid Guilfoyle about $300,000 over the years without receiving “one favor”, and told MS NOW the request “absolutely was a quid pro quo”.

The Journal has also reported that Guilfoyle, the former finacée of Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, accepted improper gifts and services, made an alleged threat to a host-country official, and promoted the interests of a Greek company, Aktor, during official engagements. A lawyer for Guilfoyle, Jesse Binnall, said she disputes the authenticity of the messages.

It ends a tenure that lasted less than a year.