Associate Claims Guilfoyle Sought $100K Payment in ‘Quid Pro Quo’ Deal Before Ambassador Confirmation

Eric Deters, a businessman and former associate of Kimberly Guilfoyle, stated that the current U.S. ambassador to Greece requested a $100,000 wire transfer to clear her American Express debt in exchange for political assistance from the Trump administration. The demand occurred just days before Guilfoyle’s Senate confirmation hearing, and Deters characterized the exchange as a clear “quid pro quo” akin to pay-to-play corruption.

In an interview with CBS News, Deters expressed certainty that the transaction was improper, asserting that Guilfoyle should forfeit her ambassadorship as a result. His comments followed the publication of text message exchanges between the two in the Wall Street Journal. Although Deters claimed he would have paid had he possessed the funds, he ultimately refused, citing a fabricated objection from his wife as his reason for not transferring the money.

According to documents reviewed by CBS News, Guilfoyle messaged Deters on July 3, 2025, stating, “I have been officially announced honey please I need you to get this done for me today.” She added that wiring the money directly to American Express would ensure the transaction remained invisible to the public. Her confirmation hearing took place six days later on July 9.

White House sources confirmed to CBS News that the text messages are authentic, noting that some Trump aides were displeased with Guilfoyle’s conduct. Guilfoyle has not publicly addressed the allegations directly, though her office was contacted for comment.

Deters, a retired Kentucky lawyer and businessman, provided CBS News with a extensive file containing grievances against various Trump-era figures, photos, and correspondence. He is also known for his long-running campaign to extradite Dr. Abubakar Durrani, an orthopedic surgeon accused of healthcare fraud who fled the United States. Deters alleged that he was ignored when he asked Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr., and senior aide Susie Wiles to assist with the Durrani case.

The texts reveal that Deters attempted to leverage his requests for appearances on Tucker Carlson’s show and meetings with government officials by offering financial incentives. He accused Guilfoyle of complaining that he was “papering” their communications and urged her to switch to the encrypted messaging app Signal for safety. Guilfoyle reportedly denied failing to act, pointing to a PDF letter she sent to IRS Commissioner Billy Long advocating for Deters’ tax issues.

Deters further claimed he had previously paid Guilfoyle and members of the Trump family a combined total exceeding $700,000 for various appearances and access. He stated that Guilfoyle’s influence within the Trump circle diminished after her engagement to Donald Trump Jr. ended.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the controversy while in Greece, telling reporters that the press should not treat sources as gospel. He declined to comment substantively on the tarmac, stating that such matters are not discussed in foreign countries. Vice President JD Vance also distanced himself from the former ambassador, telling CBS News, “Kimberly Guilfoyle and I have absolutely zero personal relationship, nada.”

Deters declared his intention to continue pursuing his grievance, stating, “I’m going to take Kimberly Guilfoyle’s deposition,” while emphasizing his desire to highlight the victims of Dr. Durrani’s alleged fraud.