Trump seems to distance himself from former family member, to avoid scandal

Donald Trump’s relationship with one of his family’s most recognizable former insiders has come under renewed scrutiny following allegations of misconduct that have abruptly ended her diplomatic career.

Kimberly Guilfoyle, once a prominent figure in Trump’s political circle and a regular presence at family gatherings, has reportedly lost her position as US ambassador to Greece amid allegations involving political favors and money.

But the president’s response to her departure has attracted almost as much attention as the allegations themselves.

During an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, the 80-year-old president appeared eager to emphasize how little he knew Guilfoyle, despite her having spent years in a relationship with his eldest son.

Curiously, Trump remembered her previous marriage to one of his fiercest political opponents but made no mention of her engagement to Donald Trump Jr.

Trump suddenly doesn’t know her very well

Speaking with Newsmax host Rob Finnerty, Trump was asked whether he would consider pardoning Guilfoyle if she faced criminal prosecution over the alleged misconduct.

“I don’t want to think about it,” the president replied.

He then expressed disappointment over the reports surrounding his former ambassador.

“I was disappointed in what I read—I just read some things. I haven’t spoken to her,” Trump said.

However, his explanation of their personal relationship was particularly striking.

“I’ve known her over the years; I’ve known her for many years. She was married to Gavin ‘Newscum,’ and, um, I’ve known her for years. Not that well, but I’ve known her.”

Trump was referring to California Governor Gavin Newsom, whom Guilfoyle married in 2001 before their divorce was finalized in 2006.

What the president did not mention was that Guilfoyle had also been engaged to his own son for approximately four years.

The omission does not establish that Trump had forgotten their relationship, but it stands in contrast to his previous public descriptions of Guilfoyle as a close friend.

From family celebrations to a distant acquaintance

Guilfoyle began dating Donald Trump Jr. in 2018, and the couple became engaged in 2020.

Their relationship made her a familiar figure at Trump family events and Republican political gatherings.

The engagement ended in 2024, with Donald Trump Jr. subsequently beginning a relationship with socialite Bettina Anderson.

The couple reportedly married in May 2026.

Trump’s latest description of Guilfoyle is notably different from the warm language he used earlier this year.

During a Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House in March, the president spoke enthusiastically about the woman he had appointed to represent the United States in Athens.

“Kimberly Guilfoyle has been my friend for a long time. I love calling her ‘Kimber-lay,’” he told attendees.

He also described her as “a person I know very, very well.”

Back in 2023, Trump attended Guilfoyle’s 54th birthday celebration alongside his son, with photographs from the event subsequently appearing on her Instagram account.

Yet following the recent allegations, the president has adopted a considerably more distant tone.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Tuesday, Trump insisted that Guilfoyle had never officially been part of his family.

“She was not a member of my family,” he said.

“She, I guess, dated my son a long time ago.”

The relationship, of course, went considerably further than dating.

Allegations involving $100,000

Guilfoyle’s departure from Greece followed allegations that she sought substantial financial assistance from a political donor while offering access to influential figures in the Trump administration.

According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, Guilfoyle allegedly requested $100,000 to cover a personal credit card bill.

The allegations also involve claims that she offered political connections and assistance with legal or tax matters in exchange for financial support.

Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing, and her attorney has disputed the authenticity of messages cited in the reporting.

The State Department’s Office of Inspector General has opened an investigation into her conduct.

The diplomatic consequences have already become visible.

Following Guilfoyle’s departure, her biography was removed from the US Embassy in Greece’s website, with Josh Huck appearing in her place.

Trump acknowledged that Guilfoyle had previously enjoyed considerable popularity during her posting in Athens.

“She was the toast of the town over in Greece,” he told Newsmax.

“She was doing a very good job as the, you know, ambassador to Greece. So I’m disappointed.”

The president has not publicly committed to offering her a pardon if criminal charges are eventually brought.

This article is made and published by Nicolai H, who may have used AI in the preparation