Zacharia Says Trump Asked Guilfoyle to Resign as Greece Ambassador

A personnel change involving the US diplomatic mission in Greece emerged as the most consequential announcement during Katie Zacharia's first White House press briefing on Tuesday in Washington. President Donald Trump had asked Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign, Zacharia told reporters, following reports alleging improper and potentially illegal conduct before and during Guilfoyle's tenure in Athens.

According to the Los Angeles Times report published October 13, 2026, Zacharia's debut lasted approximately 14 minutes. She answered questions from journalists representing three news outlets before ending the session and directing reporters to question Trump as he prepared to depart the White House.

Zacharia addressed Guilfoyle's position during the briefing, describing the ambassador favorably despite the reported circumstances surrounding the requested resignation.

"She has been a wonderful asset to the team and we wish her well," said Zacharia, White House press secretary.

The reports concerning Guilfoyle alleged improper and potentially illegal conduct before and during her diplomatic service in Athens. The supplied reports did not provide further details about the allegations or establish that the alleged conduct had been proven.

Zacharia's first appearance also marked the return of a permanent press secretary to the briefing room after a weeks-long vacancy. Her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, left the position on August 27 after serving for 19 months during Trump's second administration.

Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on Sunday, saying she would begin her term the following day and hold an introductory news conference Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. He had described her as a longtime supporter when announcing the selection.

"I am pleased to announce that Katie Zacharia will be beginning her term as Press Secretary tomorrow, Columbus Day, and will be doing an introductory News Conference on Tuesday at 9:30 A.M. from the Press Briefing Room in the White House. Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning, and will do a fantastic job!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Zacharia previously worked as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, the company that operates Trump's Truth Social platform. She also served as a spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security and appeared as a commentator on Fox News and Newsmax.

Before taking questions, Zacharia delivered prepared remarks covering Trump's policies on energy, tariffs and immigration, as well as his campaign rallies ahead of the midterm elections. She said the role largely continued the political communications work she had done outside government.

"I get to do what I was doing on the outside already, which was hoping to amplify, multiply and expand upon President Trump's incredible agenda for the American people," said Zacharia, White House press secretary.

She also expressed her longstanding desire to join the administration.

"I have wanted to work for him for a very long time," said Zacharia, White House press secretary.

Her briefing included a commitment to maintain the expanded media rotation introduced under Leavitt, which brought additional outlets into White House briefings and the presidential press pool. Zacharia took her first question from Breitbart News before concluding the session.

As Trump headed to Marine One for a trip to Alaska, he praised the new press secretary's performance.

"I thought she did excellent," said Trump, President of the United States.

Trump followed with another positive assessment of her debut.

"She did very good," said Trump, President of the United States.

Explaining why she was ending the briefing, Zacharia pointed to the president's imminent departure and the opportunity for reporters to question him directly.

"In fact, I am going to end it because President Trump is heading out to Marine One for our historic trip to Alaska, and we can ask him all of the questions out there," said Zacharia, White House press secretary.

Trump had previously characterized Zacharia as a loyal supporter, while her appointment followed a change in the administration's communications team. The briefing established her immediate approach to the role, combining prepared remarks on the president's agenda with a commitment to continue the expanded media rotation.