MAGA Freedom Fest Cancellation
In September, Eric Deters decided to cancel his MAGA Freedom Fest. Only six $1,000 VIP tickets had been sold. This cancellation signaled a disappointing end to a Kentucky political event.
Not long after, Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former ambassador to Greece under President Donald Trump, resigned. Deters had accused her of financial disputes and offers of access to prominent figures in the Trump administration, which she denied. Her legal team asserted Guilfoyle served with integrity.
Who Is Eric Deters?
Eric Deters, 63, is a Kentucky businessman, former lawyer, and conservative broadcaster. He unsuccessfully ran as a Republican candidate. His legal career included representing patients of surgeon Atiq Durrani, a connection that later affected his dealings with Guilfoyle.
Deters backed Trump from the start of the 2016 campaign, serving as the Northern Kentucky chairman. By 2021, he established Freedom Fest, initially promoting it as a free pro-Trump gathering featuring Guilfoyle and commentator Tomi Lahren.
The festival grew in 2022, with appearances by Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and others. Deters claimed five meetings with President Trump, including at Mar-a-Lago, backed by messages and photos tying him to key MAGA personalities.
Deters said he paid Guilfoyle $300,000 over years for her appearances, along with payments to other Trump family members. Guilfoyle’s legal team contested payment claims, yet Deters denied money owed.
Freedom Fest Financial Strains
In September 2026, Deters announced his decision to quit hosting Freedom Fest. He cited low VIP ticket sales, expecting at least 100 affluent supporters. With only six tickets sold, the event was financially unviable.
After the 2026 fest’s cancellation, Deters vented his dissatisfaction with the media and Trump administration’s lack of support for Durrani’s victims. He vowed to share stories critical of Trump, labeling Guilfoyle a fraud.
Allegations Against Guilfoyle
Deters released texts and Signal messages from interactions with Guilfoyle spanning years. The disputed exchange allegedly took place in July 2025 before her Senate confirmation hearing.
Deters claimed Guilfoyle requested a $100,000 payment to her American Express account, offering direct payment instructions. He refused, asserting harm to his marriage. He described the situation as “pay to play” for federal assistance against Durrani.
Text exchanges suggest Guilfoyle advised discretion, relying on Signal for communication. Guilfoyle’s attorneys stated they couldn’t verify the messages’ authenticity.
Public and Official Responses
On October 8, The Wall Street Journal reported on Deters’ disclosure. It mentioned Guilfoyle’s influence promises and senior officials’ responsiveness. Guilfoyle’s attorney stated funds sought reflected unpaid balances for prior work.
The allegations emerged as Guilfoyle faced scrutiny over her ambassadorial conduct. Questions had arisen regarding privately funded travels and business interests.
Reports suggested concerns within the Trump administration. An unnamed official cited frustration from Trump and Marco Rubio. Guiltfoyle’s conduct was subject to inspection by the State Department’s inspector general.
Trump stated dissatisfaction while his administration reviewed the matter. Press secretary Katie Zacharia revealed Guilfoyle’s resignation invitation, complimenting her contributions.
Guilfoyle later announced her resignation, denying the accusations and committing to defend her reputation.
Dr. Atiq Durrani’s Background
Dr. Atiq Durrani, an orthopedic spine surgeon, faces federal health care fraud allegations. He operated in Ohio and Kentucky at the Center for Advanced Spine Technologies. Prosecutors accused him of unnecessary surgeries, false emergency claims, fraudulent submissions to Medicare and Medicaid, and false medical records.
In 2013, Durrani was indicted on multiple counts, but he didn’t answer charges, fleeing to Pakistan. He remains a fugitive, absent from trial.
Produced by Newsweek’s AI assistant Martyn, reporters John Fitzpatrick and Tony Phillips contributed to the article.