Greek-ing the system: Trump’s Greek-American allies shape U.S. policy

Donald Trump’s administration is certainly influenced by several Greek Americans who are playing key roles in shaping U.S. policies. As Trump gets ready to be sworn in for his second term, these Greeks are not only helping to execute his vision but also ensuring that the U.S.-Greece relationship remains strong.

According to an article in GreekReporter.com, Michael Kratsios stands out as one of Trump’s closest Greek American advisors. Having roots in Chios and Kastoria, Kratsios previously served as the U.S. Chief Technology Officer and now leads the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy. He will work closely with Trump’s “AI and Crypto Czar,” David Sacks. Kratsios’ leadership is expected to push forward U.S. technological advancements, keeping America at the forefront of innovation.

Michael Rigas is another Greek American shaping U.S. policy. Nominated by Trump as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Rigas has worked for years improving government operations. Trump describes him as a “conservative warrior” who will help streamline and bring accountability to the State Department.

On Capitol Hill, there are Gus Bilirakis, Nicole Malliotakis, and Mike Haridopolos—all Greek Americans working to strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Greece. Bilirakis, representing Florida, has long supported Trump's stance on Cypriot sovereignty and U.S.-Greece relations. As co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, he is committed to promoting initiatives that support Greece. Malliotakis, a congresswoman from Staten Island/Brooklyn, is another vocal ally of Trump, emphasizing the need to rebuild the economy and stop socialism. Meanwhile, Mike Haridopolos, elected from Florida’s 8th district, has shown support for Trump’s policies, even pushing for the acquisition of Greenland, believing it would benefit the American space industry.

Christos Marafatsos, the chairman of Greek Americans for Trump, has led outreach efforts within the Greek-American community and has also worked with Gus Bilirakis, Nicole Malliotakis, and Stavros Anthony, the Greek-American Lieutenant Governor of Nevada. Marafatsos is known for his involvement with prominent conservative organizations and his close connection to Trump’s administration.

Speaking of Stavros Anthony, he has expressed strong support for Trump, praising his economic achievements during his first term and emphasizing how those policies benefitted Greek Americans. Anthony’s background in law enforcement adds an extra layer of credibility to his political stance.

Beyond government positions, there are also Philip Nicozisis, a Greek entrepreneur from Palm Beach, and John Catsimatidis, a Greek-American billionaire from New York. Nicozisis is a longtime Trump family friend, often seen at Mar-a-Lago, while Catsimatidis, worth $4.1 billion, has been a fixture in New York’s Republican circles.

Marafatsos, speaking on behalf of Greek Americans, highlighted how the community’s influence will continue to grow in Trump’s second term. As he points out, the Greek-American lobby, including groups like AHEPA and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, has had a significant impact on shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Greece and Cyprus.

Lastly, Trump’s pick of Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. Ambassador to Greece is another sign of the importance of the Greek-American community in U.S. politics. Marafatsos believes that Guilfoyle, with her connections to Trump and her sharp political instincts, will be a powerful force in strengthening U.S.-Greece relations.

In all, Greek Americans continue to play a pivotal role in Trump’s vision for America’s future, with the ongoing focus on economic growth, military cooperation, and the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean. The Greek community’s influence remains undeniable as it helps shape U.S. policy both at home and abroad.

Source: GreekReporter.com