The administration of President Donald Trump has asked US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign after a series of misconduct allegations, including claims that she offered a political donor access to senior officials in exchange for money.
“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” White House press secretary Katie Zacharia told reporters on Tuesday. “She has been a valued asset to the team, and we wish her all the best.”
The announcement came after weeks of damaging press reports about Guilfoyle's conduct.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Guilfoyle asked a Trump donor to pay a $100,000 credit card bill shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing, promising the person access to administration officials in return.
The newspaper also reported that she told guests at a reception that she could use US influence to harm the Greek government, advance the interests of a Greek construction and energy company, and allow a lobbyist for that company to attend private diplomatic meetings.
Guilfoyle's lawyer denies any wrongdoing, saying the money she sought was payment for previous speaking engagements and public appearances for which she had not been paid.
On Monday, President Trump hinted that he was considering removing her from the post. “We're looking at it,” he told reporters. “We're not happy.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially defended Guilfoyle, calling her a “strong ambassador,” but later declined to comment on the allegations and criticized reporters for asking about them.
Guilfoyle is a former Fox News host and former California state prosecutor. She is the ex-wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom and was once engaged to Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
