The White House demanded the resignation of US Ambassador to Athens Kimberly Guilfoyle, who came to the fore with allegations that she provided access to officials in the US President Donald Trump administration in exchange for money, gifts and various privileges.
US President Donald Trump, who had previously stated that he was considering dismissing the ambassador, stated in his statement to the press that he did not speak to him personally and said, "He was doing a good job, but we did not like what we read. He will not be there anymore."
White House Spokesperson Katie Zacharia also confirmed at her first press conference that Guilfoyle was asked to resign, thanked her for her contributions to the team and wished her success.
Guilfoyle, a former San Francisco prosecutor, television commentator and ex-fiancée of Donald Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., denied the accusations in a statement on his X account.
Acknowledging that his term may end, Guilfoyle noted that his commitment to Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the "America First" movement will remain unwavering.
Guilfoyle emphasized that he will resolutely defend his name, reputation and integrity, and pointed to the efforts of the United States to increase energy exports and improve security relations with Greece during his term of office.
The allegations against Guilfoyle were revealed to the public in a news series published by the Wall Street Journal newspaper.
According to the news, Guilfoyle asked Trump supporter businessman Eric Deters to pay his personal credit card debt of $100,000 before the Senate confirmation hearing in July 2025.
While Deters said that he refused the payment, stating that fulfilling this request would cost his marriage, it was claimed that Guilfoyle made the request with payment instructions in the message screenshots published in the newspaper.
Guilfoyle's lawyer denied the authenticity of the messages and argued that his client had not committed any irregularities.
It was reported in the news that there were audio recordings in which Guilfoyle established close relations with a Greek energy company lobbyist, undertook the promotion of this company and claimed his ties with wealthy Greek business people.
It was shared in the records that Trump tried to obtain an invitation to the dinner held in Davos in honor of his other son, Eric Trump.
Among the allegations based on documents and correspondence, Guilfoyle went to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland by private jet with Alexandros Exarchou, CEO of the Greek construction company Aktor Group, vacationed in the Swiss ski resort of Gstaad with Greek shipowner Nikolas Tsakos, and stayed in a luxury hotel in Paris, expenses covered by Tsakos.
Allegations that Guilfoyle used his influence to put pressure on the Greek government sparked a reaction among US parliamentarians.
On the other hand, Daily Mail wrote that the US Department of State Inspector General launched an investigation into complaints of inappropriate behavior from Athens Embassy staff and allegations of illegal gift purchases.
While the Greek government and the US Embassy in Athens did not make a statement about the allegations, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited Athens last week, also left questions unanswered.
Guilfoyle, who appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine in Greece and appeared at night parties attended by celebrities after taking office in November, took remarkable steps during her tenure.
Guilfoyle, who highlighted US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and drilling agreements involving companies such as Exxon Mobil, also drew reaction with his statements about regional balances.
In his first interview with the local press after arriving in Athens, Guilfoyle said that China should sell its 67 percent share in the Piraeus Port.
China's Ambassador to Athens, Fang Qiu, responded to these remarks regarding the port, which is one of the important pillars of China's Belt and Road Initiative, with the accusation that the USA "has a hegemonic mentality and a harmful understanding."
Dimitris Mantzos, foreign relations spokesman of the Greek opposition PASOK party, stated that the dismissal of the ambassador raises serious questions.
Mantzos asked whether Greek officials would demand an official statement or be content to watch the country turn into a "theater stage" for foreign interests.
NATO member Greece provides military facilities for Eastern Mediterranean security while also leading the European Union mission to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Announcing new anti-terrorism information sharing steps during his visit, Rubio announced that law enforcement cooperation between the two countries had strengthened.
Guilfoyle, who was previously married to California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, was among the leading figures of Trump's "America First" movement.
