WASHINGTON — Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former US ambassador to Greece whose tenure was marked by reports of extravagant demands and emotional confrontations, is unlikely to publicly attack President Trump or his family after her abrupt resignation. Sources told The Post that she may need a presidential pardon to shield her from the legal fallout surrounding the allegations that ended her diplomatic career.
“She’s going to need a pardon, and if she doesn’t behave, she won’t get one,” said a person close to the White House and the Trump family. The comment came soon after Trump pressed Guilfoyle to resign amid claims that she sought money in exchange for favors and accepted lavish travel from Greek businessmen.
“If I were in her position, I’d keep quiet and hope for it,” said another source with ties to the White House.
Guilfoyle was in a relationship with Donald Trump Jr. from early 2018 until late 2024, placing her inside the family’s private circle and giving her insight into sensitive conversations and dealings. That history could make her a potentially important witness if congressional Democrats take control after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Trump appeared to put distance between himself and Guilfoyle on Tuesday afternoon. Asked about her departure, he told reporters, “She wasn’t a member of my family. She, I guess, dated my son a long time ago.”
In her statement marking the end of her ambassadorship, Guilfoyle rejected the accusations and denied any wrongdoing.
“These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,” she wrote. “I have dedicated my professional life to fighting for justice, standing up for what is right, and defending the values that make America exceptional. I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service.”
Trump selected Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece shortly after her engagement to his eldest son ended. One person close to the family described the appointment as a “soft landing,” though that protection apparently evaporated after the president concluded that her subsequent conduct had gone too far.
Sources said Guilfoyle should not expect another political refuge following her removal from the diplomatic post. Her most realistic hope, they suggested, may be clemency that would help her avoid potentially devastating legal costs and penalties tied to criminal investigations.
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A third source familiar with both Guilfoyle and her history agreed that the possibility of a pardon could discourage her from speaking out. Still, the source characterized her forceful personality as something that may prove difficult to restrain.
“Kim is a famous and exceptionally skilled fabulist. She is undeniably emotional — and she could also simply say a lot of wild things,” the source said.
The source also challenged the belief that Guilfoyle possesses extensive damaging information about the Trump family. “People assume she has all this dirt, but honestly, she doesn’t,” he said, adding that while “she can obviously invent things,” she is “not exactly a reliable narrator.”
The precise facts surrounding the controversies tied to Guilfoyle’s diplomatic role remain uncertain. Although she offered little public explanation, people in her camp have attempted to account for some of the conduct described as questionable, including an allegation that she asked businessman Eric Deters to cover a $100,000 credit-card balance in return for political or personal favors.
Guilfoyle has reportedly told associates that the payment represented an outstanding fee for a speaking engagement. It remains unclear whether that explanation would affect any potential criminal or civil liability.
Questions also remain about whether luxury trips she allegedly described as free gifts from foreign businessmen were connected to her government position. It is likewise uncertain whether she followed through on reported promises to make those who helped her financially wealthy.
Regardless of how the allegations are ultimately resolved, a criminal investigation can become a lengthy and punishing ordeal.
“Whatever the facts are, this will certainly be examined, and that could become a massive process with enormous legal bills,” the second source said. The source added that Guilfoyle already understands the pressure of criminal probes from her experience connected to Jan. 6.
Guilfoyle, who was previously married to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, devoted much of her resignation message to reaffirming her allegiance to Trump and his political movement.
“While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end,” she wrote. She closed with a final expression of support: “God bless President Trump, God bless our incredible diplomats and service members, and God bless the United States of America.”
