Joe Sampson
Kimberly Guilfoyle has been forced out as US ambassador to Greece after a series of reports about an alleged $100,000 donor payment request and luxury hospitality placed her position under mounting pressure.
The White House requested her resignation on Tuesday, ending a posting that had put one of Donald Trump’s most recognisable political allies at the centre of Washington’s relationship with Athens. Guilfoyle denies wrongdoing.
According to Greek newspaper Ta Nea, the prospect of further Wall Street Journal revelations helped accelerate the decision. The newspaper reported that Washington had already selected a replacement and begun briefing that person on US-Greek relations, although it did not identify the prospective successor.
The $100,000 request
One of the most damaging allegations concerned a request for money from Trump donor and Republican politician Eric Deters before Guilfoyle’s Senate confirmation hearing.
Guilfoyle allegedly asked Deters for $100,000 to settle a personal credit card bill.
Deters supplied journalists with messages he said documented their exchanges. He described the arrangement as “pay to play”, saying he had sought Guilfoyle’s help securing access to Trump’s circle, government officials and media opportunities.
Guilfoyle’s representatives challenged the authenticity of the messages and disputed that account of the payment request. Her lawyers said Deters owed her money for speeches and consultancy services provided before her appointment.
Paris, Gstaad and a shipping tycoon
Separate reporting examined Guilfoyle’s relationship with Greek shipping businessman Nikos Tsakos and hospitality he allegedly provided.
It’s also understood that the journal had obtained a recording in which Guilfoyle discussed spending time with Tsakos and travelling with him.
“I see Nikos every day; he adores me,” she reportedly said.
The newspaper’s account described plans to fly to Paris for a fashion show involving Tsakos’s wife, following time spent together in the Swiss resort of Gstaad. It also cited allegations that Tsakos paid for Guilfoyle’s accommodation at the Four Seasons George V in Paris.
Photographs posted on Instagram showed Guilfoyle with the couple. The reporting also examined other travel, including yacht trips and private flights.
Her lawyers denied that she had accepted gifts incompatible with her diplomatic role.
It’s also reported that Democratic lawmakers wanted scrutiny of the hospitality to continue despite her departure. Its account did not establish that the gifts had been found unlawful.
A disputed embassy dinner
The controversy had begun with reporting about Guilfoyle’s relationship with Greek-American businessman and lobbyist Chris Marafatsos, who allegedly participated in diplomatic meetings in the Balkans.
An earlier Journal investigation also examined remarks attributed to Guilfoyle during a dinner at the US Embassy.
She allegedly suggested that American influence could be used against the Greek government, referring to the collapse of Romania’s governing coalition.
The account was disputed. The Greek government denied that a threat had been made, while Guilfoyle’s lawyers challenged the description of the dinner.
Public backing as Washington considered her future
There was also an awkward diplomatic backdrop to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to Athens.
Greek officials questioned whether Guilfoyle should attend every meeting, but Rubio insisted on her participation. Greece’s ambassador to Washington, Antonis Alexandridis, was then called to Athens at short notice to take part in the programme.
Guilfoyle’s prominent presence alongside Rubio, and his public defence of her, appeared to offer reassurance while discussions about her future were reportedly taking place in Washington. Vice-President JD Vance had also spoken in her favour.
That support ultimately failed to preserve her position.
Trump was quoted as saying Guilfoyle had done a good job but that he disliked what he had been reading. When questioned about her former engagement to Donald Trump Jr., the president also distanced himself from the suggestion that she was effectively a member of his family.
Political fallout in Greece
Guilfoyle’s departure has drawn criticism from Greek opposition parties over the government’s handling of the controversy.
PASOK questioned whether the Foreign Ministry had sought an explanation from the ambassador, while SYRIZA accused the government of downplaying the allegations.
Greek officials declined to intervene publicly, describing the developments as an internal US matter.
Not all reaction was critical. Alexandros Exarchou, chief executive of Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, praised Guilfoyle’s contribution to the Vertical Corridor energy initiative.
Guilfoyle has similarly defended her diplomatic record, highlighting agreements intended to strengthen American influence in Southeast Europe.
In her response to the allegations, she said: “I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation and my integrity.”
