Martha Kehagias
A recent Facebook post by the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus sharing a comment about U.S. border security has drawn widespread criticism from followers, who called the message "tone-deaf" and "shameful" in the Cypriot context.
The post, published Sunday with the hashtag #securingborders, featured an image of the U.S.-Mexico border alongside a quote attributed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "It's the most secure border we've had in my lifetime." As of Monday, the post had garnered 19 comments, 10 shares, and 85 total reactions, including 49 likes, 10 "loves," 10 "angry" reactions, 10 "laughing" emojis, four "sad" responses, two "care," and two "wow."
Many of the reactions were critical, with several users pointing out the insensitivity of discussing border security in Cyprus, a country still divided by a ceasefire line since Turkey’s 1974 invasion.
Jessica Salley, an alumna of U.S.-Cyprus exchange programs, called the post "embarrassing" and "shameful," accusing the embassy of promoting "Trump administration political points" and "manufacturing consent for fascism within the U.S."
Nicholas Tryfon, another commenter, wrote, "Secure border? From the Mexicans? The embassy in Cyprus should be embarrassed to share statements such as these in a divided country with a border due to a Turkish invasion." His comment sparked a discussion, with others noting the United States' historic role in Cyprus’ division.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig also weighed in, simply writing, "This is shameful."
Other users echoed frustration, accusing the embassy of failing to "read the room." Costa Constanti noted that the embassy is located just "a few hundred meters away from an illegal border," referring to the U.N.-patrolled buffer zone dividing the island.
Some attempted to defend the post or the broader American position. "I love America. I love Cyprus," wrote Lakis Tsouloupas, expressing support for Rubio and former President Donald Trump.
Michael Donahue, a former State Department contractor, suggested that political pressure from Washington might explain the post, criticizing what he called a "strongman approach" emerging across U.S. embassies globally.
Others called for a more positive and unifying message. "You should have posted #eliminatingborders instead," wrote Gianna Samuel.
