California Governor Gavin Newsom has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his former wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle, after the Trump administration asked her to step down as the U.S. ambassador to Greece.
Newsom offered a brief but notable response when a CBS News reporter questioned him about Guilfoyle during his campaign appearances in New Hampshire on October 17, 2026.
“I don't know enough about it,” Newsom said, explaining that he had not spoken to his former wife in some time.
He added that he wished her the best before delivering his most memorable remark about the situation: “It's unfortunate.”
The short response quickly attracted attention because Newsom has frequently criticized President Donald Trump and his administration, while Guilfoyle has been closely associated with Trump's political circle.
Why Kimberly Guilfoyle Left Her Diplomatic Position
Guilfoyle's departure followed reports alleging that she had sought financial favors from a political donor in exchange for access to influential figures in the Trump administration.
The controversy intensified after The Wall Street Journal published reports examining messages and interactions involving Guilfoyle, donors and business figures.
One allegation involved a request for help paying a $100,000 American Express bill. The donor involved in the dispute claimed that Guilfoyle had offered access to people connected to the Trump administration.
Guilfoyle disputed the allegations, saying that the accusations were false and that she would defend her reputation.
On October 13, the White House confirmed that Guilfoyle had been asked to resign from her position as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Her departure came after Trump had publicly acknowledged that his administration was reviewing the situation.
The allegations have not all been independently established as facts, and Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing.
A Former Couple With Different Political Alliances
Newsom and Guilfoyle were married in December 2001 and divorced in 2006.
Their relationship dates back to a period when both were involved in California politics. Newsom later became governor of California and emerged as a prominent Democratic figure, while Guilfoyle became a leading conservative media personality and political fundraiser.
She later became engaged to Donald Trump Jr., the president's eldest son, before their relationship ended.
Guilfoyle was subsequently appointed U.S. ambassador to Greece by Trump, placing her in a diplomatic role at the center of the administration's foreign relations.
The former couple's political paths have therefore diverged considerably since their marriage ended.
Why Newsom's Response Is Drawing Attention
Newsom's answer was brief, and he did not offer a detailed opinion about the allegations against Guilfoyle.
Instead, he said he did not know enough about the situation, noted that they had not spoken recently, and wished her well.
His use of the word “unfortunate” left room for interpretation. He did not explicitly defend Guilfoyle, accuse her of wrongdoing or endorse the allegations against her.
The response also avoided turning a personal relationship into a lengthy political confrontation.
For observers, the exchange offered a rare public comment from Newsom on an issue involving someone with whom he shares a personal history but whose current political affiliations are very different from his own.
A Controversy That Reaches Beyond Politics
The episode has drawn attention to the scrutiny faced by public officials when questions arise about their conduct, financial relationships and interactions with donors.
Ambassadors represent the United States abroad, and allegations involving financial favors or private business interests can raise serious questions about ethics and public trust.
At the same time, allegations must be distinguished from proven misconduct. Guilfoyle has rejected the accusations, and Newsom's comments do not establish whether they are true.
The controversy also illustrates how personal relationships can become part of a political news cycle when the individuals involved occupy prominent positions in opposing political circles.
What Happens Next?
Guilfoyle's departure from the ambassadorial post leaves questions about the broader controversy and its potential consequences.
Her public response has emphasized that she intends to defend her reputation. Meanwhile, Newsom has made clear that he does not intend to offer extensive commentary on the matter.
For now, his statement remains a restrained reaction to a difficult situation involving his former wife.
Rather than delivering a political attack, Newsom offered a short response that acknowledged the seriousness of the circumstances without claiming to know all the details.
What do you think of Gavin Newsom's response? Was his brief statement the right approach, or should he have said more about the controversy?
This article is based on reporting published in October 2026. Allegations involving Kimberly Guilfoyle remain attributed to the sources that reported them; Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing.