Trump ousts Kimberly Guilfoyle as US ambassador to Greece after corruption allegations

President Donald Trump has ordered Kimberly Guilfoyle to step down as the United States ambassador to Greece, according to White House press secretary Katie Zacharia. The former Fox News host had been under increasing scrutiny following allegations of asking a Trump donor to pay her credit card bill in exchange for access to the administration, as well as inappropriate behavior while in Athens.

Despite Trump acknowledging her good work, he stated that he did not like the recent reports and that she would no longer remain in her post in Greece. Guilfoyle, who is the ex-wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, had been a longtime political ally of Trump and had been nominated as ambassador to Athens in December 2024. She had vowed to defend herself against the false claims and had described the ambassadorship as the honor of a lifetime.

Zacharia made the announcement during her first and unusually brief media briefing, providing little additional detail. Guilfoyle, who was first appointed as envoy to Athens a month before Trump returned to the White House, had expressed her intention to vigorously defend her name and reputation. Her position had become increasingly precarious as the allegations mounted over the past week, with text messages allegedly showing her requesting money from Eric Deters, a long-time Trump ally.

Deters denied the authenticity of the messages and said he was asked to pay her for speaking and consulting fees, which he refused to do. He also plans to take legal action against Guilfoyle.