U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns after conduct probe

Resignation and Allegations

U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, after the Trump administration asked her to leave her post in Athens. White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced the departure during her first media briefing, stating that Ms. Guilfoyle had been a wonderful asset while declining to give further details. The resignation follows a series of reports in The Wall Street Journal detailing questionable conduct, including an alleged threat to a host country official, accepting improper gifts and private jet travel, and offering political access in exchange for the payment of a large credit card bill.

Defense and Investigation

Ms. Guilfoyle denied all wrongdoing, stating she intends to vigorously defend her reputation and integrity. Her lawyers, David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, released a statement claiming that money requested from a Trump donor was payment for past public appearances and speaking engagements rather than a bribe. The lawyers also stated that her private plane travel strictly followed State Department rules. Meanwhile, a U.S. official confirmed that the State Department's inspector general is looking into the allegations, though it is unconfirmed if a formal probe has begun.

Reactions and Greek Response

President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he was not happy with the situation and later confirmed on Tuesday that she would no longer hold the post. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who previously defended her, had grown unhappy with the mounting claims and recently berated journalists asking about the matter. In Greece, opposition parties had called for the Foreign Ministry to summon Ms. Guilfoyle, with former deputy foreign minister Sia Anagnostopoulou calling it a matter of national dignity, though Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis argued an official summons was unnecessary.

Context

Ambassadors represent the U.S. president abroad and must adhere to strict ethical guidelines regarding gifts, travel, and personal conduct. Inspector general inquiries into diplomatic personnel are a standard administrative process used to examine potential rule violations before deciding on formal disciplinary action or dismissal.