Kimberly Guilfoyle Resigns as Ambassador to Greece Amid Allegations of Improper Conduct

Kimberly Guilfoyle Steps Down as U.S. Ambassador to Greece

Kimberly Guilfoyle, renowned for her roles as a former Fox News Channel host and the ex-first lady of San Francisco, resigned as the U.S. ambassador to Greece on Tuesday. Her departure follows mounting allegations of improper and potentially illegal conduct linked to her tenure in Athens, as well as prior actions.

White House Responds to Resignation

The Trump administration confirmed Guilfoyle's resignation on Tuesday, after days of speculation fueled by extensive media coverage. White House press secretary Katie Zacharia, in her inaugural media briefing, remarked that Guilfoyle "has been a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish her well." The announcement came after President Donald Trump expressed displeasure with the reports and indicated an ongoing review of the ambassador's case.

Details of the Allegations

The allegations surfaced in a series of reports primarily from The Wall Street Journal, describing diplomatic allegations against Guilfoyle. These include allegedly threatening a host country official, receiving improper gifts and services, and offering to wield her influence in the Trump administration in exchange for the settlement of a significant credit card bill. There were also claims that she attempted to use her position for the benefit of specific Greek companies and allowed lobbyists access to private diplomatic meetings at the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

An additional report from the Daily Mail suggested that Guilfoyle had alienated some staff at the U.S. Embassy Athens, raising concerns about her behavior as America's top representative in Greece.

Reactions from U.S. and Greek Officials

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly expressed substantial disappointment regarding the allegations. Over the weekend, an Associated Press source stated that both were considering Guilfoyle's future in the wake of the controversies. Secretary Rubio, when previously questioned about the matter, emphasized that without direct confirmation, he would refrain from commenting. He added, "You guys walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s the gospel. It’s not the gospel for me. That’s not the way we do things," during an exchange with journalists as Guilfoyle observed from the tarmac.

In Greece, opposition parties called for the Foreign Ministry to summon Guilfoyle to answer questions about the allegations. However, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated that she had been treated similarly to all ambassadors and that a formal summons was unnecessary.

Lawyers Respond and State Department Investigation

Guilfoyle did not address the reports publicly but, through her lawyers David Schwartz and Jesse Binnall, denied any wrongdoing. They argued that payments solicited from a Trump donor were for prior public appearances and not improper. The lawyers also asserted that all private travel had followed State Department guidance and regulations.

A second U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said the State Department’s inspector general was looking into the allegations. However, it was unclear if a formal investigation had begun, as inspectors general sometimes conduct preliminary reviews without escalating to full disciplinary action. The State Department has declined to comment on potential investigations.

Calls for Further Investigation and Political Ramifications

Top Democrats in Congress, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen, and House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia, have called for a foreign affairs investigation into Guilfoyle’s conduct. These calls for a state department investigation add pressure for transparency regarding the allegations and the ambassador's resignation.

Kimberly Guilfoyle's career has spanned media, law, and politics, and she was engaged to Donald Trump Jr. and previously married to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Her resignation marks a significant event in the ongoing scrutiny of diplomatic appointments and conduct within the Trump administration.

Source: kron4.com.