The first phone call between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the new U.S. President Donald Trump marked a significant step for a relationship that has gained strategic depth in recent years. As Mitsotakis puts it, Greek-American relations are not partisan but national in character.
With Trump’s new political dominance across the Atlantic and his announcement that things will be different this time—fully controlled by the White House—Mitsotakis sought an early opportunity to speak with the new president right after his election.
According to the source, the conversation lasted about ten minutes and took place without translators. The two leaders already know each other; Trump was the first U.S. president to invite Mitsotakis to the White House shortly after the Epiphany in 2020. During Trump’s tenure, Greek-American defense cooperation was elevated to a strategic level, with key agreements signed in Athens in October 2019. Additionally, under Trump, Greece gained entry into the F-35 program while Turkey was excluded.
A Functional Relationship
Mitsotakis and Trump are unlikely to become close friends suddenly. However, Trump tends to form personal relationships with leaders he interacts with, often bypassing traditional diplomatic practices. Mitsotakis is prepared to engage in this manner, understanding that Greece is a crucial part of U.S. strategic planning in the region. Despite recent challenges, Mitsotakis is keen on maintaining a functional Greek-American relationship.
“These relations are not only based on a framework of shared values between two historical democracies that have always been on the right side of history but also on mutual interests, which the U.S. recognizes in supporting Greek-American relations,” Mitsotakis emphasized at the annual Grand Thornton event.
Greek-American relations are not entirely independent of broader EU-U.S. ties. Mitsotakis expressed some caution regarding potential extreme U.S. tariff measures on European products, though he believes such measures are unlikely. He reiterated the need for Europe to “wake up from its geopolitical naivety, which it has unfortunately embraced for many years.”
The Capitol and New Faces
Beyond the Mitsotakis-Trump call, which briefly touched on various international and regional issues, Athens is mapping the new landscape forming in Washington amid sweeping changes in the White House and key U.S. departments.
Trump’s inner circle, significantly different from his first term, consists mostly of individuals unknown on the international stage. His appointments for critical roles, such as National Security Advisor, Secretary of State, and Pentagon Chief, are still pending. Moreover, the changing dynamics at the Capitol are notable, with Republicans gaining control in the Senate and likely maintaining their majority in the House of Representatives.
Athens is closely examining the new key figures. The new diplomatic advisor to the Prime Minister, Milton Nikolaides, who has experience at NATO, has recently taken on his role. Additionally, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou and Greece’s Ambassador to the U.S., Katerina Nasika, are utilizing every available channel to ensure the continuity of high-level Greek-American relations.
