Former US ambassador to Greece attends CPAC gala at Donald Trump’s Florida estate, reportedly purchasing an expensive portrait for a prominent Republican figure
Kimberly Guilfoyle has made a high-profile return to Donald Trump’s political circle, attending a Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, less than a month after being asked to resign as US ambassador to Greece.
Guilfoyle, who previously served as a Fox News personality and prominent Trump ally, attended the November 5 event alongside CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp and his wife, Mercedes Schlapp.
According to the New York Post, Guilfoyle reportedly purchased a portrait of Mercedes Schlapp valued at $15,000, making the gift one of the evening’s talking points.
Read more: Kimberly Guilfoyle Returns to US After Greece Ambassador Departure
Guilfoyle reportedly buys $15,000 portrait
The painting was created by artist Elena Ruseva, who works under the name MAGA Langelo. It depicts Mercedes Schlapp in patriotic red, white and blue colours.
Matt Schlapp publicly thanked Guilfoyle for the purchase, describing the gesture as “beyond generous”. He also revealed that he already owns a similar portrait of himself and intends to display the two paintings together at CPAC headquarters.
In a post on X, Schlapp welcomed Guilfoyle to the gala, 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!”
Schlapp told the New York Post that he invited Guilfoyle because she was in the area and confirmed she was not paid to attend.
White House asked Guilfoyle to resign from Greece post
Her Mar-a-Lago appearance comes weeks after the White House confirmed that Guilfoyle had been asked to step down from her position as US ambassador to Greece.
On October 13, White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced the decision, stating: “We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign.”
President Donald Trump subsequently 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 appointment as the “honor of a lifetime”.
She also reaffirmed her political allegiance to Trump and his administration.
“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.
Guilfoyle rejects allegations of misconduct
Guilfoyle’s departure followed reports concerning allegations about her financial affairs and conduct before and during her diplomatic appointment in Athens.
One controversy involved Republican donor Eric Deters, who alleged that Guilfoyle asked him in July 2025 to contribute $100,000 towards her American Express bill ahead of her Senate confirmation hearing.
According to CBS News, Deters claimed the request was intended to prevent the debt from appearing on her financial disclosures. He also alleged that Guilfoyle offered to introduce him to influential figures within the Trump administration.
Additional reports raised questions about her relationships with business figures in Greece and aspects of her diplomatic activities.
Guilfoyle has strongly denied any wrongdoing and disputed the allegations.
In her resignation statement, she declared: “These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity.”
