Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns as U.S. ambassador to Greece

Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump's ambassador to Greece, resigned Tuesday after allegations of improper conduct. She said she would vigorously defend herself.

Trump's administration said earlier Tuesday that it had asked Guilfoyle to leave her post. She had faced severe criticism over allegations of improper and possibly illegal conduct before and during her tenure in Athens.

The allegations include that Guilfoyle offered to use her influence inside the Republican administration in exchange for payment of a large credit card bill. They also include accepting improper gifts and services and threatening a host country official.

In a post on X, Guilfoyle called the allegations false and said she intended to defend her name, reputation and integrity.

In a statement released late Sunday, Guilfoyle's lawyers denied wrongdoing and said money she sought from a Trump donor was unpaid compensation for public appearances and speaking engagements. They said those services took place before her ambassadorial nomination.

An official could not say whether a formal inspector general investigation had begun. Inspectors general often conduct informal inquiries into complaints against staff members. Those inquiries do not always lead to full investigations, which can result in disciplinary action up to dismissal.