From TIME · Philip Elliott · · 2m
Guilfoyle resigns as Greece ambassador after credit card scandal
Trump's former ambassador to Greece steps down following reports she sought a donor's money to pay her personal American Express bill.
In brief
Trump's former ambassador to Greece steps down following reports she sought a donor's money to pay her personal American Express bill. Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as U.S. Ambassador to Greece after reports alleged she asked a Trump donor to pay her one hundred thousand dollar American Express bill and promoted a Greek…
Ambassador resigns amid scandal
Kimberly Guilfoyle announced her resignation as U.S. Ambassador to Greece on Tuesday following reports of misconduct during her tenure in Athens.
Trump requested the resignation
White House press secretary Katie Zacharia confirmed at her first briefing that President Trump had asked Guilfoyle to resign, saying she had been a wonderful asset to the team.
“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign. She has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well.”
The credit card allegation
The Wall Street Journal reported that Guilfoyle asked Trump donor Eric Deters to wire one hundred thousand dollars to clear her personal American Express bill before her Senate confirmation hearing in July two thousand twenty…
Guilfoyle offered access in exchange
According to the Journal, Guilfoyle offered to use her connections to the Trump Administration and her relationship with Trump Jr. to help Deters gain access to administration officials. Deters said he did not pay her.
Construction company promotion alleged
The Journal reported that Guilfoyle promoted the Greek construction firm Aktor Group and encouraged governments in the region to work with the company. Lawyers for Guilfoyle and Aktor Group disputed allegations of improper conduct.
Guilfoyle denies wrongdoing
Guilfoyle's attorney Jesse Binnall disputed the authenticity of reported messages and said the money sought was payment for earlier unpaid services. Guilfoyle said she would vigorously defend her name and reputation.
“These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity.”
Lawmakers demand answers
Rep.Gregory Meeks sought answers from Secretary of State Marco Rubio about potentially corrupt influences on U.S.foreign policy.Rep.Robert Garcia requested financial records citing public corruption concerns.Senate Republican John Barrasso called the reports very troubling.
Trump distances himself
Trump told reporters that Guilfoyle was not a member of his family and that she dated his son a long time ago.He said the resignation was driven by negative stories.
“We didn't like what we were reading.”
The one thing
Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as U.S. Ambassador to Greece after reports alleged she asked a Trump donor to pay her one hundred thousand dollar American Express bill and promoted a Greek construction company's interests.
