Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned as US ambassador to Greece after the Trump administration asked her to step down amid allegations about her conduct, including claims involving gifts, travel arrangements and the use of her political influence.
Guilfoyle announced her departure in a social media post on Tuesday, saying her commitment to US President Donald Trump, his “America First” movement and the United States would continue beyond her time as ambassador.
“While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end,” she wrote.
The resignation followed a statement from White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia, who said earlier on Tuesday that the administration had asked Guilfoyle to resign.
“We have asked ambassador Guilfoyle to resign. She has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well,” Zacharia told reporters.
The move came after reports in The Wall Street Journal raised questions about Guilfoyle’s conduct while serving as the US representative in Greece. The allegations included claims that she threatened a Greek official, accepted inappropriate gifts and services, and offered to use her influence within the Trump administration in connection with the settlement of a substantial credit card bill.
Guilfoyle rejected the allegations in her Tuesday statement, saying she intended to defend her reputation and integrity.
“These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,” she wrote. She added that she had spent her professional life pursuing justice and defending what she described as American values, and said she would not allow the accusations to define her public service.
President Trump had indicated a day earlier that Guilfoyle’s position was under review. Speaking on Monday, he said his administration was “looking at” firing her and acknowledged that officials were “not happy” with the situation.
Guilfoyle had previously addressed the accusations through her lawyers, who disputed claims made by Eric Deters, an American businessman and former political candidate. Her legal team said Deters owed her approximately $150,000 for speaking engagements and consulting work. They also said she had rejected a $1 million proposal from Deters to promote a private legal case.
The allegations concerning gifts and private jet travel were also disputed. According to her lawyers, Guilfoyle had sought guidance from the State Department and complied with the rules governing gifts and other benefits received by government officials.
The resignation brings her tenure as ambassador to an end following mounting scrutiny of her conduct. Although the White House confirmed that it had asked her to leave, Guilfoyle has maintained that the allegations are false and said she intends to defend her reputation.
