Guilfoyle Returns to Mar-a-Lago for CPAC Gala

Kimberly Guilfoyle appeared at a Conservative Political Action Conference gala at Mar-a-Lago on November 5, returning to the political circle around President Donald Trump after leaving her post as U.S. ambassador to Greece in October. CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp said he invited her after hearing she was in town and that she received a warm welcome from guests.

Schlapp posted a photo with Guilfoyle and his wife, Mercedes, and said she had bought a portrait of Mercedes by artist Elena Ruseva. The painting was valued at $15,000. Schlapp said Guilfoyle was not paid to attend and had spoken at CPAC events without compensation.

Guilfoyle resigned on October 13 after the White House reported that Trump wanted her to leave. Her departure followed published allegations that she had sought $100,000 from a Trump donor to cover an American Express bill. Other accusations included threatening foreign officials, providing lobbyists privileged access and seeking payments in exchange for political influence. The donor did not make the payment.

Guilfoyle had been engaged to Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., after they began dating in 2018. They ended their engagement in 2024; he is now married to Bettina Anderson. Guilfoyle returned from Athens to Florida, where she has reportedly stayed with her former husband Eric Villency. She and Villency have a 20-year-old son.

Guilfoyle has not publicly addressed her departure, and she did not respond to inquiries about the gala. The reports said she could face legal costs and potential penalties connected to investigations into the allegations that preceded her resignation.

Guilfoyle’s Mar-a-Lago Return Revives Questions About Her Departure

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s return to Mar-a-Lago puts a former Trump administration official back among the conservative political elite weeks after she resigned as ambassador to Greece amid allegations involving money, access and political influence.

At a CPAC gala on November 5, Guilfoyle presented chairman Matt Schlapp and his wife, Mercedes, with a portrait valued at $15,000. Schlapp said he invited her because she was in town, guests welcomed her warmly, and she was not paid to attend. The gesture and the easy welcome stood in sharp contrast to the circumstances of her departure from public office.

The White House said President Donald Trump had asked Guilfoyle to step aside, and she resigned on October 13. Her exit followed allegations that she sought $100,000 from a Trump donor to pay an American Express bill. She was also accused of threatening foreign officials, granting lobbyists privileged access and seeking money in return for political influence. The donor declined to pay.

Guilfoyle has not publicly discussed her departure. She was engaged to Donald Trump Jr. until 2024; he is now married to Bettina Anderson. After leaving Athens, Guilfoyle returned to Florida. Investigations tied to the allegations could bring legal costs and potential penalties, leaving unresolved questions beyond her return to the conservative gala circuit.

CPAC Welcomes Guilfoyle Back After Her Diplomatic Exit

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s appearance at a CPAC gala on November 5 offered a reminder that her ties to the conservative movement remain strong, even after she left her diplomatic post. At Mar-a-Lago, CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp said he invited her after learning she was in town and that guests greeted her warmly.

Guilfoyle gave Schlapp and his wife, Mercedes, a portrait valued at $15,000. Schlapp said she received no payment for attending and had previously spoken at CPAC events without compensation. Her appearance was part of a gathering that brought conservative figures together at President Donald Trump’s Florida home.

Guilfoyle resigned as ambassador to Greece on October 13 after the White House announced that Trump wanted her to leave. The departure followed allegations that she sought $100,000 from a Trump donor for an American Express bill, along with claims involving foreign officials, lobbyists and political influence. The donor did not make the payment. Those accusations are serious, but they remain allegations; Guilfoyle has not publicly addressed her exit.

A longtime Trump supporter, Guilfoyle had been engaged to Donald Trump Jr. until 2024. He is now married to Bettina Anderson. Guilfoyle returned to Florida after leaving Athens, and investigations tied to the allegations could bring legal expenses and potential penalties. Her return to CPAC, however, showed that the organization’s leadership was willing to welcome her back into its orbit.