Full Breakdown
Fox News Faces Scrutiny Over Online Silence on Kimberly Guilfoyle Scandal
By Drooid · · How we work
The Uncovered Scandal and Fox News’ Digital Gap
Former Fox News senior executive Ken LaCorte accused the network of omitting online coverage of allegations that U.S. ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox employee, solicited a $100,000 credit-card bailout from a Trump-aligned donor in exchange for access to administration officials. LaCorte noted that Fox’s website had no recent stories on the matter, with the last mention dated December 10, 2024, the day President Donald Trump announced her nomination.
Background and Context
Guilfoyle worked for Fox News from 2006 to 2018 and was confirmed as ambassador in November 2025. The Wall Street Journal reported she asked donor Eric Deters for $100,000 to settle an American Express bill, offering to use her position to influence his tax and legal matters. Her lawyer disputes the authenticity of the messages.
Timeline of Key Developments
- December 10, 2024 – Fox News website publishes its most recent article mentioning Guilfoyle.
- Early October – WSJ breaks the story about the $100,000 request.
- October 8 – Fox briefly addresses the allegations on “Special Report With Bret Baier.”
- Early October – LaCorte posts on X, criticizing Fox’s lack of digital coverage.
Data and Statistics
- Alleged request: $100,000.
- Reported settlement: Fox paid Guilfoyle’s former assistant roughly $4 million after a sexual-harassment complaint (The New Yorker).
- No online articles on the scandal were found between December 2024 and October 2026.
Official Statements and Responses
- President Trump said he had only just heard of the allegations, called the situation “too bad,” and said Guilfoyle “was always very nice.”
- A senior U.S. official, cited by the Associated Press, said Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were “extremely pissed off” and were weighing her removal.
- The State Department’s Office of the Inspector General opened a probe into possible gifts or favors.
Criticism and Opposition
LaCorte, former senior vice president of Fox News Digital, said the silence was a conscious choice, not an editorial mistake, and warned it damaged the outlet’s reputation among supporters. After Fox finally posted the story, he reiterated concerns about “journalistic malpractice.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
- Guilfoyle’s legal team denies the messages are genuine.
- The Wall Street Journal and The New Yorker provide detailed accounts, while Fox’s reporting was limited to a brief on-air segment and a later online article.
Why It Matters
The episode underscores tensions between media outlets and the political figures they cover, raising questions about editorial independence and diplomatic accountability. If the Inspector General confirms improper benefits, Guilfoyle could face removal and legal consequences, and Fox may face scrutiny over its editorial decisions.
What’s Next
The Inspector General’s investigation continues with no announced deadline. Further developments will depend on the probe’s findings and any actions by the White House or congressional committees.