Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns as US ambassador to Greece

Resignation of Kimberly Guilfoyle

Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US ambassador to Greece, has resigned from her position amid allegations of improper conduct. The resignation comes after the White House asked Guilfoyle to step down following reports of her seeking money in exchange for access to administration officials and accepting improper gifts. As stated by Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, "We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign. She has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well."

Allegations Against Guilfoyle

The allegations against Guilfoyle include seeking money from a Trump donor, Eric Deters, to pay off a $100,000 American Express credit card bill, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Deters reportedly viewed Guilfoyle's request as a "quid pro quo," stating that she said he could ask her for anything and everything in Trump world. Guilfoyle's lawyers have denied the allegations, stating that she was seeking payment for appearance fees that predated her ambassadorship.

White House Response

The White House has asked Guilfoyle to resign, with President Donald Trump stating that he was "looking at" the situation. Trump later stated that Guilfoyle "wasn't a member of my family" and that he didn't like what he read about her conduct. As reported by the New York Times, Trump said, "We're looking at it. We're not happy."

Guilfoyle's Response

Guilfoyle has denied the allegations, stating that they are false and that she intends to vigorously defend her name, reputation, and integrity. In a statement, Guilfoyle thanked President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for entrusting her with the privilege of representing the US in Greece. She also stated that she has dedicated her professional life to fighting for justice and defending American values. As stated by Guilfoyle, "These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity."

Investigation

The State Department's Office of the Inspector General is investigating Guilfoyle over the allegations, as reported by CNN. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what the outcome will be. A State OIG spokesperson stated, "As a matter of policy, OIG does not confirm, deny, or comment on investigative matters."

Frequently Asked Questions

What allegations led to Guilfoyle's resignation?

The allegations against Guilfoyle include seeking money in exchange for access to administration officials and accepting improper gifts, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Who asked Guilfoyle to resign?

The White House asked Guilfoyle to resign, with new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia stating that Guilfoyle "has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well."

What is the status of the investigation into Guilfoyle's conduct?

The State Department's Office of the Inspector General is investigating Guilfoyle over the allegations, but the outcome is unclear, as stated by a State OIG spokesperson.

The resignation of Kimberly Guilfoyle as US ambassador to Greece is a notable development in the ongoing controversy surrounding her conduct. As the investigation into her actions continues, it remains to be seen what the outcome will be and what implications this will have for the Trump administration. With Guilfoyle's denial of the allegations and her intention to vigorously defend herself, the situation is likely to remain a topic of interest in the coming days. The next step in the process will be to see how the investigation unfolds and what actions the White House and the State Department will take in response to the allegations.