Donald Trump has asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign as U.S. ambassador to Greece following allegations that she solicited $100,000 from a political donor to cover her personal American Express bill.
According to Reuters, newly appointed White House press secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed the decision during her first press briefing on Tuesday, October 13.
“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” Zacharia announced. “She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well.”
The announcement comes just one day after Trump publicly acknowledged that he was considering removing Guilfoyle from her diplomatic position. On Monday, October 12, Trump told reporters he was “looking at” firing her following reports about her financial dealings with a longtime supporter.
“We’re not happy,” Trump said.
Although the White House has formally requested her departure, Guilfoyle’s resignation had not been publicly confirmed as of Tuesday morning. CBS News reported that she was preparing to step down, citing sources familiar with the situation. The outlet also reported that Guilfoyle had expressed reluctance to resign before the White House publicly announced its decision.
The controversy centers on allegations involving Eric Deters, a Kentucky businessman, former congressional candidate, and Trump supporter who claims Guilfoyle approached him for financial assistance while promising access to influential figures within the administration.
According to an October 7 investigation by The Wall Street Journal, Guilfoyle allegedly contacted Deters through Signal in July 2025, just days before her Senate confirmation hearing for the ambassadorship.
The messages reportedly show Guilfoyle asking Deters to wire $100,000 directly to her American Express account.
“It won’t show up anywhere if you wire money to American Express,” she allegedly wrote in one message.
In another, Guilfoyle reportedly pleaded, “Honey, please I need you to get this done for me today.”
The timing raised questions because the alleged request came shortly before Guilfoyle’s July 9, 2025, confirmation hearing, when her financial arrangements and suitability for diplomatic service were subject to scrutiny.
Deters claims the request was not simply a personal favor. He alleges Guilfoyle offered to use her political relationships to help him reach senior Trump administration officials.
In an interview with TMZ, Deters alleged that Guilfoyle promised to be his “ride or die in Trump world” if he provided the money.
However, Deters claims he had already paid Guilfoyle substantial sums without receiving the assistance he expected.
According to People, Deters told The Wall Street Journal that he had paid Guilfoyle approximately $300,000 in speaking fees since 2020. He maintains that she failed to deliver on her promises.
“She never came through on anything,” Deters said.
The businessman also claims he sought Guilfoyle’s assistance with tax and legal matters and wanted connections to prominent figures in Trump’s political circle. Deters said he ultimately declined to cover the $100,000 American Express bill because of concerns about how the payment would affect his marriage.
Guilfoyle has disputed the allegations through her attorney, Jesse Binnall, who challenged the authenticity of the reported messages.
Binnall also told The Wall Street Journal that Guilfoyle “was owed a balance for traveling to and supporting” events before her nomination. Deters disputed that explanation.
The accusations have attracted attention beyond the White House.
According to NBC News, the State Department’s Office of Inspector General opened an investigation involving Guilfoyle and the U.S. Embassy in Greece. The inquiry follows concerns about her conduct, including the alleged financial arrangement with Deters.
The allegations remain disputed, and the investigation does not establish that Guilfoyle committed a crime or violated government ethics rules.
Guilfoyle’s political connections have also intensified interest in the controversy. Before becoming ambassador, the former prosecutor and television personality was a prominent Trump supporter and was previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr.
Trump nominated her for the Greece ambassadorship in December 2024, and the Senate confirmed her in September 2025.
Her appointment placed a longtime political ally in a diplomatic position involving a key NATO partner, making the allegations particularly sensitive for the administration.
Now, less than a year after her confirmation, the Kimberly Guilfoyle controversy has escalated from allegations about private financial dealings to a direct request from the White House for her resignation.
While Guilfoyle’s attorney continues to dispute the reported communications, her expected departure comes with the State Department’s investigation still unresolved.
