Guilfoyle scrambles for allies after donor-cash scandal forces ambassador ouster

A leaked exchange revealed former ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle asking donor Eric Deters to settle a $100,000 American Express balance in exchange for introductions to Donald Trump’s inner circle, prompting the White House to announce her removal during a televised briefing. Guilfoyle insisted the messages were fabricated, yet she embarked on a series of desperate calls to influential allies, including U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and News Corp’s Rupert Murdoch, urging them to intervene with the president and curb critical reporting.

Murdoch declined, Barrack offered only verbal support, and the president reportedly ignored her pleas. As a result, embassy personnel in Greece have ceased following her directives, and she is reportedly confronting staff while awaiting an end-of-month eviction from the residence. The episode adds to ongoing investigations into her conduct, which also cover alleged luxury travel perks and improper gifts. Guilfoyle’s lawyer, Jesse Binnall, maintains that her financial dealings were legitimate.