President Donald Trump is considering firing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle amid allegations of a pay-to-play scheme, financial impropriety, and misconduct, according to multiple reports.
U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle faces mounting pressure after reports allege she solicited $100,000 from a Trump donor, Eric Deters, in exchange for access to administration officials, with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly weighing her removal. The allegations, detailed in multiple outlets, include claims that Guilfoyle, a former fiancée of Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr., used her diplomatic position for personal gain, while her lawyers deny wrongdoing.
Guilfoyle Allegedly Sought Payment for Administration Access
According to The Wall Street Journal and ABC News, Guilfoyle allegedly asked Deters, a Republican donor and former lawyer, to pay off a $100,000 American Express bill in July 2025, days before her Senate confirmation hearing for the ambassadorship. Deters described the request as a “quid pro quo,” stating she offered access to Trump administration officials in exchange for the payment. Guilfoyle’s attorneys disputed the authenticity of the messages, claiming the money was a balance for traveling to and supporting events where she was hired to speak, but Deters denied owing her any debt.
The controversy also includes claims that Guilfoyle used her position. The Daily Beast reported that she demoted a security agent who failed to provide her ice during a late-night drinking session in Mykonos, and her lawyers rejected allegations of impropriety related to travel on private planes, saying she followed State Department travel regulations. Meanwhile, a leaked audio recording from January reportedly shows Guilfoyle raving about her connections to Greek tycoons and berating an event organizer for excluding her from a dinner organized by Greek House Davos with Eric Trump, stating, She should be kissing my f—ing ass.
Guilfoyle’s nomination as ambassador to Greece occurred in December 2024, the same month the president nominated her. The couple had been engaged for four years, according to sources. After their breakup, the president appointed the former Fox News personality as ambassador, a move described by the Wall Street Journal as a way to have had to get her out of here following the breakup. Prior to her diplomatic role, she was married to California Gov. Gavin Newsom from 2001 to 2006, when he served as mayor of San Francisco. In May of this year, the president’s eldest son married Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, a detail noted in multiple reports.
Deters alleged that Guilfoyle sought $100,000 in exchange for helping him with personal tax and legal issues. In one message, Deters claims Guilfoyle wrote, Honey please I need you to get this done for me today,
referring to the payment. Deters denied owing her money and stated that Guilfoyle made it clear the transaction was a “quid pro quo.” His allegations were corroborated by the Wall Street Journal, which reviewed messages between the two parties.
Political Reactions and Internal Investigations
Trump, when asked about the allegations, said, We’re looking at it. Yeah, we’re not happy,
according to CNN. Vice President JD Vance urged caution, stating, If there was something bad that happened, then people have to suffer consequences for it,
but emphasized that we don’t try people in the court of public opinion. The State Department’s Office of the Inspector General is investigating complaints against Guilfoyle, as reported by The New York Post and The Daily Beast.
Guilfoyle’s past has also come under scrutiny. Guilfoyle previously endorsed a criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton for her purported role in racketeering and corruption, a stance that now contrasts with the allegations against her. Her lawyers have defended her, stating that her career in and out of public service is guided by deep and abiding values and that she remains committed to representing the American people with dedication and integrity, while denying any wrongdoing. However, the State Department’s probe and Trump’s public dissatisfaction suggest her tenure may be in jeopardy.
The State Department’s Office of the Inspector General has not commented on the investigation, citing policy. A spokesperson for the agency stated, As a matter of policy, OIG does not confirm, deny, or comment on investigative matters,
according to CNN. Meanwhile, Trump’s comments about Guilfoyle have been inconsistent. In one instance, he told reporters, I just heard about it. It’s too bad. I mean, I don’t know. She’s an ambassador. I just heard a little bit about it. I don’t know too much, but she was always very nice,
as reported by NBC News.
Guilfoyle’s conduct in Greece has drawn criticism from both officials and the public. The Daily Beast reported that she allegedly ordered expensive champagne regularly and associated with energy lobbyist Christos Marafatsos, prompting questions about her suitability for the ambassadorship. A separate report noted that she had a meltdown in January after learning she was excluded from a dinner organized by Greek House Davos with Eric Trump, the president’s son. The incident, according to the Wall Street Journal, involved her using profanity and threatening to make you a lot of f—ing money to gain access to the event.
Guilfoyle’s tenure as ambassador has also been marked by staff complaints. The Daily Mail reported that she was described as tyrannical by embassy staff, with one source claiming she demoted a security agent for failing to deliver ice during a late-night drinking session. Another report detailed that she threatened employees with termination, and that two of her drivers were demoted because the ambassador did not like the way they made a left turn. These allegations were part of a broader internal investigation into her leadership style.
The controversy has also impacted her relationship with the Trump family. After her breakup with Donald Trump Jr., she received the ambassadorship. However, her alleged behavior has caused embarrassment for the administration. Allies of the president and his son told CNN that the episode is embarrassing, though it’s unclear if there will be consequences for Guilfoyle. Trump has consistently expressed his dissatisfaction when allies use their connections with him for personal gain.
Guilfoyle’s legal team has responded to the allegations. Deters told CNN he planned to sue Guilfoyle for defamation after her lawyers disputed the authenticity of the messages. The White House has not yet commented on Deters’ plans.
As the investigation continues, the outcome of Guilfoyle’s ambassadorship remains uncertain. While some administration officials have expressed frustration, others have called for patience, with Vance noting, We don’t try people in the court of public opinion.
Guilfoyle’s fate will likely depend on the findings of the inspector general’s review and whether further evidence emerges. For now, the controversy highlights the intense scrutiny facing high-profile diplomats and the delicate balance between political loyalty and ethical conduct.