WASHINGTON — The White House publicly asked U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign on Tuesday amid accusations of improper conduct, and she announced within two hours that she was leaving the Athens post. Guilfoyle said she would vigorously defend herself.
President Donald Trump said after the resignation was posted on her X account that she had been doing a good job but officials did not like what they were reading, adding he had not spoken to her. At her first briefing Tuesday morning, press secretary Katie Zacharia called Guilfoyle a wonderful asset to the team and said officials wished her well.
The Wall Street Journal has reported since late last month alleged questionable behavior including a threat to a host-country official, acceptance of improper gifts and services, and an offer to trade influence for payment of a large credit card bill. A later report citing text messages said Guilfoyle asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing while promising access to administration officials.
Guilfoyle said the allegations were false. Her lawyers said money sought from the donor was unpaid compensation for public appearances predating her ambassadorial nomination. A second U.S. official said the State Department inspector general was looking into the claims, while Rep. Gregory Meeks, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Robert Garcia have called for an investigation.