US Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle has defended her record and denied allegations of misconduct after the White House announced that the Trump administration had asked her to resign from her diplomatic post.
In a lengthy statement, Guilfoyle described her appointment as the honour of a lifetime, expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for entrusting her with the role.
She lauded her tenure, saying, “From my first day as Ambassador, I have worked tirelessly to advance President Trump’s America First agenda, strengthen our strategic alliance with Greece, and deliver meaningful victories for the American people.”
Guilfoyle highlighted agreements to expand American liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, efforts to advance the Vertical Corridor energy route and closer defence and security cooperation with Greece, a NATO member.
She also pointed to efforts to expand opportunities for American businesses and investment across the region, describing the embassy’s work as part of a broader strategy to strengthen US energy influence and economic cooperation in Southeast Europe. “These accomplishments are a testament to President Trump’s bold leadership, Secretary Rubio’s commitment to American diplomacy, and the extraordinary men and women who serve our country every day,” she said.
However, Guilfoyle’s defence came after the White House confirmed that the administration had asked her to step down amid allegations of improper and potentially illegal conduct before and during her time in Athens.
The announcement was made today by newly appointed White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia during her first media briefing. “We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” Zacharia said, adding that Guilfoyle had been “a wonderful asset to the team” and that the administration wished her well.
Reports Detailing Allegations About Guilfoyle’s Conduct
The decision followed a series of reports by The Wall Street Journal detailing allegations about Guilfoyle’s conduct, with accounts published from late September.
According to the newspaper, the allegations include an alleged threat directed at a Greek official, the acceptance of improper gifts and services, and an offer to use her influence within the Trump administration in exchange for payment of a substantial credit card bill.
In its initial reporting, the Journal alleged that Guilfoyle had told guests at a reception that the United States could undermine the Greek government if it chose to do so.
The newspaper also reported that she promoted the business interests of a Greek construction and energy company and allowed its lobbyist to attend private diplomatic meetings.
Another report, citing text messages, alleged that Guilfoyle had asked a Trump donor and supporter to pay a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her confirmation hearing, promising access to administration officials in return.
The Journal subsequently reported that Guilfoyle had expressed anger over not being invited to a Greek-themed event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this year. The newspaper also raised questions about her luxury travel to France with energy company executives.
The allegations have not been established as findings of wrongdoing. Guilfoyle has rejected the accusations and said she intends to defend her reputation.
In a statement released late Sunday, her lawyers, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, denied that she had acted improperly. They argued that the money she had sought from the Trump donor represented payment for public appearances and speaking engagements arranged before her nomination as Ambassador, rather than an attempt to exchange diplomatic influence for financial support.
Her lawyers also rejected allegations concerning her use of private aircraft, maintaining that she had complied with the relevant rules. They said that before each trip, Guilfoyle “sought, obtained and followed State Department guidance and followed the Department’s travel regulations.”
Intensifying Calls For Accountability
The controversy has also generated political pressure in Greece and the United States, with opposition figures and lawmakers calling for further scrutiny of the allegations.
Before the White House announcement, Greek opposition parties had urged the country’s Foreign Ministry to summon Guilfoyle to respond to the reports.
Sia Anagnostopoulou, a former Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, raised the issue in parliament on Friday, describing it as a matter of national dignity.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis responded that Guilfoyle had been treated “the same way as every other Ambassador” and argued that an official summons had not been necessary.
In Washington, senior Democratic lawmakers have also called for an investigation into the allegations. They include Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and Representative Robert Garcia of California, the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Guilfoyle, meanwhile, maintained in her statement that the allegations would not define her decades of public service.
“I also want to address the recent allegations against me. These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity. 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.”
Kimberly Guilfoyle
She reaffirmed her support for Trump and Rubio and said her commitment to the America First movement and her country would continue even if her diplomatic tenure ended. She also thanked the Greek people for their hospitality and partnership, describing her service as ambassador as a privilege.
The White House’s resignation request marks a significant development in the controversy, which has raised questions about diplomatic conduct, potential conflicts of interest and accountability within the administration. Guilfoyle’s denial and her lawyers’ response leave the allegations contested.
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