“From Washington to Chicago, from New York to Detroit, from Philadelphia to the famous Tarpon Springs – you all know Tarpon Springs in Florida – Greek Americans have blessed our country with remarkable courage, patriotism, and incredible talent. Under this administration, we will continue to honor the virtues, ideals, and spirit of this great legacy – a truly magnificent heritage that has flourished for thousands of years, from the golden age of ancient Greece to the golden age of America,” said Donald Trump, with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America by his side at the traditional March 25th reception at the White House – a reception accompanied by a powerful Proclamation on Greek-American relations by the President of the United States.

Taking the floor, Mr. Trump made pointed references to the political landscape in the U.S. and the four years that passed between his first and second term, and didn’t shy away from delivering sharp, half-joking comments about individuals in the room who perhaps weren’t his favorites.

“Well, I’m especially happy to welcome to the White House hundreds of proud, hard-working Greek American patriots. I know many of you. I like most of you, some I don’t – they can be very tough. There are some tough people out there, but that’s okay. We love you. We love you all,” Mr. Trump said.

Watch video from the event:

He Started with “His Own” Greeks
The President of the United States highlighted the distinct role of Greek Americans in U.S. politics, science, and business, naming several Greek Americans who have worked with him directly or indirectly for decades. Starting with his own team, Donald Trump mentioned Michael Kratsios, as well as the U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas, and Christos Marafatsos, head of the “Greeks for Trump” group known for its strong social media presence.

Trump gave special mention to Greek American members of Congress, beginning with Gus Bilirakis, whom he called a “friend,” along with Mike Haridopolos. Although he did not win a seat in Congress, Trump still referred to candidate Jimmy Patronis and his former White House Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus.

Trump also greeted billionaire and “friend” John Catsimatidis, along with his wife Margo and daughter Andrea, and acknowledged Greek Ambassador to the U.S. Alexandra Papadopoulou and Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, Evangelos Savva.

The first Greek American called up by Trump to the podium was Alek Skarlatos, a former National Guard soldier and Republican candidate in Oregon. Trump recounted his family history, beginning with Skarlatos’s grandfather who fought the Nazis, and ending with the 32-year-old Greek American’s heroic role in stopping a terrorist attack aboard a Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris in 2015, returning from a mission in Afghanistan.

Last but not least, Trump made a special mention of businessman Steve Veletsis of Design Cuisine Catering, a longtime White House partner, and his daughter Alexandra, who currently works in the White House.

Trump’s Proclamation on Greek-American Relations
“On March 25, 1821, inspired by the motto ‘Freedom or Death,’ Greek revolutionaries began their war of independence against the Ottoman Empire.

That hard-fought and victorious struggle led to the founding of a sovereign Greek state and a national homeland for Greece. On the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day, we honor the heroic fight for freedom and the enduring democratic ideals that continue to inspire the world.

America is intrinsically linked to both ancient and modern Greece. We are united by history and tradition, by the struggle for self-determination, liberation, and rebirth. The founders of our democracy drew inspiration from Greek philosophers and statesmen to shape the doctrines of our new republic, now enshrined in our Constitution. Our national character has, in part, been shaped by the indelible Greek influence on art and architecture, language and literature, as well as academic and military tradition.

Today, throughout the United States, generations of Greek Americans enrich our neighborhoods and communities with a vibrant cultural heritage rooted in family, faith, hospitality, and civic responsibility.

Greece is one of our oldest friends and strategic partners, and a valued NATO ally. We appreciate the support of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in advancing our economic and diplomatic cooperation as we build opportunities for collaboration in key areas such as energy, science, technology, shipping, logistics, and defense. The permanent presence of naval forces in the Souda Bay and our bilateral training exercises enhance combat readiness and reflect our mutual commitment to joint military cooperation as a cornerstone of security and stability in Europe.

On this day, we celebrate Greek independence, the people who share in Greek heritage across the globe, and the enduring friendship between our like-minded nations, bound by democracy, patriotism, prosperity, and peace.

Now, therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2025, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Kimberly Guilfoyle
Also present at the reception was the future U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle. Trump praised Guilfoyle, kissed her, and called her “a good person,” inviting her to the podium.

“It is the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve this country, and to do so under the guidance and leadership of the most important and powerful president this country has ever seen. I know he loves Greece, its incredible history, and its democracy. With Trump, you’ll sleep peacefully at night and wake up with hope, knowing someone is fighting for the economy of the U.S., and for Greece too, for religious freedom and liberty, and for the continuation of the U.S.-Greece alliance. God bless you,” said the ambassador, making the sign of the cross in the Orthodox manner.

Closing the event, the U.S. President told those present, “You have honored our country with your courage and patriotism. Under this administration, we will continue to share your ideals and the spirit of this unique heritage that stretches back thousands of years, from the golden age of Greece to the golden age of America that we are living now. You are great people. I would not have missed this event for anything. I canceled something very important to be here. As soon as they told me it was happening today, I canceled it. God bless you.”

.@kimguilfoyle: "This is the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve this country… and to do it under the guidance, the leadership — the most important, powerful president that this country has ever seen… today, we celebrate and cherish our rich history and our enduring… pic.twitter.com/kPJNJ4YyB5

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 24, 2025