How Kimberly Guilfoyle lost Trump’s trust and her job in Greece
Kimberly Guilfoyle has been asked to resign as the U.S. ambassador to Greece following allegations that she offered political access in exchange for money and favors. The decision, announced by the White House on October 13, 2026, came after reports about a disputed $100,000 credit card payment and other concerns about her conduct.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality and longtime Donald Trump ally, denies wrongdoing and says she intends to defend her reputation. However, the controversy has brought a sudden end to her diplomatic role less than a year after she arrived in Athens.
The $100,000 Request Behind the ‘Honey Please’ Messages
The controversy intensified after The Wall Street Journal reported on messages between Guilfoyle and Eric Deters, a Republican donor and former congressional candidate from Kentucky.
According to the newspaper, Kimberly Guilfoyle contacted Deters in July 2025, days before her Senate confirmation hearing, asking him to pay a $100,000 American Express bill. In one message, she allegedly wrote, “Honey please I need you to get this done for me today.”
Another message reportedly suggested that paying American Express directly would avoid leaving a visible record of the transfer. The communications were exchanged through Signal, an encrypted messaging application.
Deters told reporters that Guilfoyle had offered to use her connections to help with his tax and legal problems. He claimed he had paid her around $300,000 over time but did not receive the assistance he expected. He refused the $100,000 request.
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s lawyer, Jesse Binnall, disputed the authenticity of the messages. The allegations have raised ethical questions, but they should not be treated as proof of criminal wrongdoing.
Other Allegations Raised About Her Time in Greece
The donor controversy followed other reports questioning Guilfoyle’s conduct as ambassador.
The Wall Street Journal reported concerns about her relationship with a Greek construction and energy company, including allegations that she promoted its interests during official engagements and gave its lobbyist access to diplomatic meetings.
Reports also raised questions about gifts, luxury travel and comments allegedly made about the United States’ influence over the Greek government. Guilfoyle’s conduct reportedly prompted concern among officials and calls for greater scrutiny.
On October 9, NBC News reported that the State Department’s Office of Inspector General was investigating Guilfoyle and the U.S. Embassy in Greece. The inquiry followed complaints involving the alleged payment request and other concerns about her conduct.
The existence of an investigation does not establish that the allegations are true. Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing, while the Greek government has not publicly commented on the accusations surrounding her tenure.
Trump Signals His Frustration
On October 12, President Donald Trump told reporters he was considering whether to remove Guilfoyle, adding, “We’re not happy.”
The following day, White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign.
“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” Zacharia said, describing her as a valuable member of the team and wishing her well.
Trump later explained that although Guilfoyle had been doing a good job, officials did not like what they had been reading about the allegations.
Guilfoyle responded on X, reaffirming her support for Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She described the allegations as false and said she would vigorously defend her name, reputation and integrity.
From Fox News to a Diplomatic Controversy
Before entering diplomacy, Guilfoyle worked as a prosecutor in California before building a television career at Fox News, where she became a familiar face on The Five.
Her political influence grew through her relationship with Donald Trump Jr. and her work as a fundraiser and campaign supporter. Trump nominated her to serve as ambassador to Greece in December 2024. The Senate confirmed her in September 2025, and she took up the post later that year.
During her time in Athens, Guilfoyle promoted American energy interests, including liquefied natural gas deals. She also attracted attention for her high-profile public appearances and outspoken positions on Greece’s relationship with China.
Her departure now shifts attention from those diplomatic activities to the allegations surrounding her conduct.
What Happens Next?
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s resignation marks a dramatic reversal for a figure who once occupied a prominent position in Trump’s political circle. The State Department investigation and questions about the reported messages may continue to shape the story.
For now, the central facts are clear: a donor alleged that Guilfoyle sought $100,000 to pay a personal credit card bill, the reported messages became public, and the White House subsequently asked her to resign.
