Kimberly Guilfoyle makes surprise Mar-a-Lago return with $15,000 gift after Greece exit

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Kimberly Guilfoyle made a surprise return to Donald Trump's political circle by attending a Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) gala at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, November 5. Her appearance came just weeks after the White House asked her to resign as US ambassador to Greece.

The former Fox News personality reportedly purchased a $15,000 portrait of Mercedes Schlapp, wife of CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp, during the event. Her appearance also drew attention amid controversy surrounding her departure from the diplomatic post, following allegations of financial misconduct and inappropriate behavior that she has strongly denied.

Kimberly Guilfoyle gifts Mercedes Schlapp a $15,000 portrait at Mar-a-Lago

According to the New York Post, Guilfoyle attended the gala in a black dress and posed for photographs with Matt Schlapp and Mercedes. However, her reported purchase of an expensive portrait became one of the highlights of the evening.

The painting, created by artist Elena Ruseva, professionally known as MAGA Langelo, features Mercedes in patriotic red, white and blue colors. Matt said the gift was "beyond generous" and revealed that he already owned a similar portrait of himself. He plans to display the two paintings together at CPAC headquarters.

Schlapp also welcomed Guilfoyle publicly on X, writing, "Great to have Ambassador Guilfoyle with us at our gala. She bought this beautiful painting of Mercy, which she also generously gave to her. We love her and Magaangelo the artist!"

He told the New York Post that he invited her because she happened to be in town. He also clarified that Guilfoyle was not paid to attend the event.

Why Kimberly Guilfoyle was asked to resign as US ambassador to Greece

Guilfoyle's appearance at Mar-a-Lago came less than a month after the White House confirmed that she had been asked to step down from her diplomatic position.

On October 13, White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced the decision during her first press briefing, saying, "We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign."

President Trump also addressed her departure, telling reporters, "She was doing a good job, but we didn't like what we were reading."

Guilfoyle later confirmed her resignation in a statement on X, describing her time as ambassador as the "honor of a lifetime."

She also made it clear that her departure would not affect her political loyalties.

"While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end," she wrote.

Kimberly Guilfoyle denies allegations surrounding her ambassador role

Guilfoyle's departure followed reports raising questions about her conduct before and during her diplomatic assignment in Athens.

One of the allegations involved Republican donor Eric Deters, who claimed that Guilfoyle asked him in July 2025 to pay $100,000 toward her American Express bill ahead of her Senate confirmation hearing.

According to CBS News, Deters alleged that the request was made to prevent the debt from appearing on her financial disclosures. He also claimed she offered to connect him with influential people in the Trump administration.

Other reports raised concerns about her relationships with business figures in Greece and her diplomatic activities.

Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing and strongly disputed the allegations. In her resignation statement, she said, "These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity."