Here’s what Newsom had to say.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has broken his silence after President Donald Trump removed his former wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle, from her position as U.S. ambassador to Greece following allegations of financial misconduct.
The unexpected controversy has brought renewed attention to the complicated political connections between Newsom, Guilfoyle, and the Trump family.
Although Newsom has spent years criticizing President Trump and his administration, the Democratic governor offered a surprisingly restrained reaction when questioned about his former wife’s departure.
His response comes as Republicans and Democrats prepare for the November 2026 midterm elections, with political tensions running high across the country.
Newsom Finally Responds to Trump’s Decision
Newsom addressed the situation on Saturday, October 17, while campaigning for Democratic candidates in New Hampshire.
CBS News reporter Jared Ochacher approached the California governor and asked him to respond to Guilfoyle’s removal from the Trump administration.
Rather than launching into a political attack, Newsom acknowledged that he had limited knowledge of the controversy.
“I don’t know enough about it. I haven’t talked to her in a while,” Newsom said.
He added that he wished Guilfoyle the best and described the situation as “unfortunate.”
The brief exchange attracted attention because Newsom has frequently positioned himself as one of President Trump’s most vocal political opponents.
However, when given an opportunity to criticize the administration’s handling of his former wife’s dismissal, Newsom declined to make the matter personal.
His comments also suggested that he and Guilfoyle have maintained little contact in recent years.
Why Trump Removed Kimberly Guilfoyle
Guilfoyle’s departure followed a series of reports questioning her financial dealings and professional conduct while serving as America’s top diplomat in Greece.
On October 13, the White House confirmed that the Trump administration had asked Guilfoyle to resign.
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia announced the decision, acknowledging Guilfoyle’s contributions while confirming that her time in the position was ending.
The announcement followed President Trump’s public acknowledgment that his administration was reviewing allegations involving the ambassador.
The president had previously told reporters that he was unhappy with what he had been hearing about the situation.
His decision to seek Guilfoyle’s resignation was particularly notable because of her longstanding political and personal ties to the Trump family.
Guilfoyle previously worked as a Fox News personality, became a prominent supporter of Trump’s presidential campaigns, and was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr.
Despite those connections, the president ultimately chose to remove her from the diplomatic position.
$100,000 Allegation Sparks Major Controversy
One of the most serious allegations involves claims that Guilfoyle requested $100,000 from Republican donor Eric Deters to help pay an American Express credit card bill.
According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, text messages allegedly showed Guilfoyle requesting the payment before her Senate confirmation as ambassador.
The allegations raised questions about whether she had offered access to influential figures within the Trump administration in connection with financial assistance.
Additional reports raised concerns about her interactions with prominent Greek business executives, including allegations involving luxury travel and efforts to promote private business interests.
Guilfoyle has disputed the accusations and denied wrongdoing.
Her attorneys have also challenged the authenticity of certain messages connected to the allegations.
The allegations have not been established as criminal wrongdoing, and Guilfoyle maintains that the accusations against her are false.
Nevertheless, the controversy created substantial political pressure as questions emerged about the standards expected of American diplomats.
Guilfoyle Defends Her Record and Trump Loyalty
Following her departure, Guilfoyle publicly defended her reputation and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to represent the United States overseas.
She described her service as ambassador to Greece as an honor and thanked President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for placing their confidence in her.
Despite the administration’s decision, Guilfoyle indicated that she remained committed to Trump and his America First political movement.
She also pledged to challenge the allegations against her.
Her response suggests that she does not intend to abandon the conservative political causes she has supported for years.
Before entering diplomatic service, Guilfoyle was widely recognized for her appearances on conservative television and her participation in Republican political campaigns.
Her relationship with Donald Trump Jr. further elevated her profile within Republican circles.
Although their engagement ended in 2024, Guilfoyle continued working with the Trump administration and eventually assumed the diplomatic assignment in Greece.
Her departure now raises questions about what role, if any, she may pursue in Republican politics.
Newsom and Guilfoyle Share an Unusual Political History
Long before Guilfoyle became associated with the Trump family, she was married to Gavin Newsom.
The couple married in December 2001, when Newsom was an emerging political figure in San Francisco.
During their marriage, Newsom became mayor of the city, while Guilfoyle pursued a career in law and television.
Their divorce was finalized in February 2006.
In the years that followed, their political careers moved in dramatically different directions.
Newsom rose through California Democratic politics, eventually becoming governor and a nationally recognized opponent of Trump’s policies.
Guilfoyle, meanwhile, became an influential conservative media personality and public supporter of the Republican president.
Their contrasting political identities have made their former marriage an unusual piece of American political history.
The latest controversy has once again placed that relationship in the national spotlight.
Trump’s Decision Raises Questions About Accountability
The removal of a politically connected ambassador also raises broader questions about presidential appointments and government accountability.
American ambassadors represent the United States in negotiations with foreign governments, discussions involving international business interests, and matters affecting national security.
Greece is an important NATO ally, making the American ambassador’s role particularly significant.
The position carries responsibilities involving diplomatic relationships, regional stability, and American economic interests throughout southeastern Europe.
Concerns about potential conflicts of interest can therefore create problems extending beyond domestic political disagreements.
At the same time, allegations alone do not establish guilt, and public officials accused of misconduct deserve an opportunity to respond.
Trump’s decision demonstrates that even longtime political allies can lose prominent government positions when allegations become a major distraction for an administration.
Whether additional investigations produce further developments remains to be seen.
Political Spotlight Intensifies Before Midterm Elections
The timing of the controversy adds another dimension to an already contentious election season.
With the November 2026 midterms approaching, both parties are attempting to influence voters on issues including government spending, economic performance, immigration, and national leadership.
Newsom has continued campaigning for Democrats while positioning himself as a leading critic of the president.
Yet his response to Guilfoyle’s dismissal was notably different from the confrontational language often associated with national political debates.
Instead of turning the situation into an attack on Trump, Newsom expressed sympathy for his former wife and acknowledged that he lacked firsthand knowledge of the allegations.
For Americans following the developments, the situation presents an unusual intersection of personal relationships, political loyalty, and government accountability.
What Happens Next?
Guilfoyle’s departure leaves the Trump administration facing the task of maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Greece while addressing questions arising from the allegations.
The State Department’s inspector general has reportedly examined concerns involving her conduct, although the ultimate outcome of any investigation remains uncertain.
Guilfoyle has vowed to defend her reputation, and additional information could emerge as the matter develops.
Meanwhile, Newsom’s comments suggest that he has little interest in becoming personally involved in the dispute.
Despite their sharply different political careers, the California governor chose to wish his former wife well rather than escalate the controversy.
For President Trump, the situation represents a difficult personnel decision involving a longtime political supporter. For Newsom, it has created an unexpected connection to one of the latest controversies surrounding the administration.
As the midterm elections approach, the episode serves as another reminder that political relationships and personal loyalties do not always prevent difficult decisions inside the White House.
Leave a Reply