US President Donald Trump has said he is considering removing Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece following allegations that she sought money from a donor by offering access to senior administration officials.
Trump made the remarks on Monday as he left the White House for a campaign rally, telling reporters that his administration was “looking at” the possibility of firing Guilfoyle. He added that the administration was unhappy with reports alleging that she had used her official position and connections to the Trump family to solicit money.
The controversy intensified after Eric Deters, a former lawyer, conservative media personality and Trump donor, alleged that Guilfoyle asked him to pay a $100,000 credit card bill in July 2025, shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing. Deters claimed that the request amounted to a quid pro quo arrangement, alleging that Guilfoyle offered access to senior Trump officials in exchange for financial assistance.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the allegations, while Deters subsequently provided messages to ABC News that he said supported his account. One message he attributed to Guilfoyle read, “Honey please I need you to get this done for me today.” Deters alleged that the message referred to the requested credit card payment.
Guilfoyle’s lawyers rejected the suggestion of wrongdoing in a statement released on Sunday. According to The Associated Press, they said the money she sought related to unpaid appearances and speaking engagements arranged before her nomination. Deters denied owing Guilfoyle any money and said he ultimately did not make the payment because he lacked the funds. ABC News said it had contacted Guilfoyle, her lawyer and the US Embassy in Greece for comment but had not received responses at the time of reporting.
White House Weighs Possible Dismissal
Trump’s remarks followed reports that White House and State Department officials had discussed how to respond to the allegations, including the possibility of dismissing Guilfoyle. Two sources familiar with the discussions said no final decision had been made and that Trump would have the final say.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment directly on the allegations during a visit to Athens last week, saying he did not know whether they were true. “I don’t even know if it’s true or not true,” Rubio said, adding that he would not address the matter while visiting another country.
Guilfoyle’s reported conduct also drew attention during Rubio’s visit to Greece, where she accompanied the secretary to several events. A US official told ABC News that she attended some events to which the State Department had not invited her.
The official also said the department’s inspector general was examining claims of possible misconduct, although it remained unclear whether a formal investigation had been opened. The State Department declined to comment publicly on any investigation.
In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, the US Embassy in Greece defended Guilfoyle, saying her career in and outside public service was guided by “deep and abiding values” and that she remained committed to representing the American people with dedication and integrity.
Guilfoyle, a former television personality, was previously married to California Governor Gavin Newsom and was engaged to Donald Trump Jr. before her diplomatic appointment. Deters has a controversial history in Kentucky politics. His law licence was suspended in 2012, and the Kentucky Supreme Court declined to reinstate it in 2021, citing his conduct in legal proceedings.
Trump has not announced a final decision on Guilfoyle’s future as ambassador.
