The Greeks of Trump

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The Greeks of Trump
Greeks of Trump
Credit: Gage Skidmore, CC2/Wikipedia

Several Greeks are part of the team of Donald Trump whose inauguration as the 47th president of the US will take place on Monday, Dec.20.

From fundraising to advisory roles, these individuals have brought their unique perspectives to the forefront of American politics, fostering a notable presence within the former president’s inner circle.

Their influence reflects not only their commitment to the administration’s agenda but also the enduring impact of the Greek-American community on the political stage.

The Greeks of Trump

Christos Marafatsos

Christos Marafatsos
Christos Marafatsos pictured next to Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the latter’s recent visit to the US. Photo provided

Christos Marafatsos is the Chairman of Greek Americans for Trump and has been leading outreach efforts to the Greek-American community on behalf of President Trump and promoting America First principles.

He is also the only Greek American currently working directly with the Incoming Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Marafatsos is serving on the boards of America’s most prominent conservative organizations, including CPAC, Bienvenido, and the Black Conservative Federation and he is Vice-Chair of President Trump’s National Diversity Coalition advancing economic initiatives that directly help the minority communities of the US.

He is also collaborating with Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony to strengthen engagement with the Greek-American community.

Michael Kratsios

Michael Kratsios
Michael Kratsios during his official visit to Greece in 2020. Credit: X

Michael Kratsios has been appointed to lead the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy. Kratsios, a Greek-American with roots from the island of Chios and the city of Kastoria, previously served as the U.S. Chief Technology Officer during Trump’s first term.

“Together, we will unleash scientific breakthroughs, ensure America’s technological dominance, and usher in a Golden Age of American Innovation!” Trump wrote in a statement accompanying his appointment.

Kratsios will advise “AI and Crypto Czar” David Sacks as the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He previously served as Trump’s chief technology officer and oversaw tech policy on the transition team, together with Gail Slater, who will lead the antitrust division at the Department of Justice. Before that, Kratsios served as CEO of the company Scale AI.

Michael Rigas

Michael Rigas
“Mike is a conservative warrior who knows how Government works,” Trump said about Rigas. Credit: LinkedIn

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Greek American Michael Rigas as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.

“Michael will bring accountability to the State Department as he did Government-wide when he served in my First Term as the Deputy and Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the Acting Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Mike is a conservative warrior who knows how Government works, and will help Make America Great Again,” he added.

Michael Rigas is the Deputy Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management and Acting Deputy Director of Management at the Office of Management and Budget. Over the past 20 years he worked in the private, public and non-profit sectors, with a record of improving organizational performance and streamlining operations.

The Greeks of Trump in Congress

In a Congress marked by sharp partisan divides, three Greek-American Republican lawmakers have emerged as influential voices aligned with Donald Trump’s vision.

Representing diverse districts but united by their conservative values and shared heritage, these legislators bring a blend of legislative expertise, and cultural pride to the table.

As Trump continues to shape the Republican Party’s direction, these members are well-positioned to serve as pivotal allies—advocating for his policies, rallying support among key constituencies, and navigating complex legislative battles to advance his agenda.

They are Mike Haridopolos representing Florida, Gus Bilirakis also representing the District of Florida and Nicole Malliotakis in the 11th New York Congressional District.

What Greeks can expect from Trump 2.0

“Greek Americans in the Trump administration and Congress bring an invaluable blend of cultural heritage, strategic insight, and professional expertise to U.S.-Greece relations,” Christos Marafatsos told Greek Reporter.

“This new generation of leaders recognizes the immense opportunities Greece and Cyprus offer for advancing regional security, economic growth, and America’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he added.

He noted that nearly 75 percent of Greek-Americans voted for Trump in November and stressed that they should expect expanded military cooperation, increased trade, and greater economic collaboration with Greece and Cyprus.

During President Trump’s first term, the Greek-American community played a pivotal role in advancing the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act. This legislation strengthened US ties with Greece and Cyprus and promoted stability in the region.

Marafatsos also highlighted the Greek-American lobby which as he said is one of the most effective and influential advocacy networks in Washington. Organizations like the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, AHEPA, AHI, and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarch have spent decades advocating for issues critical to Greece and Cyprus.

“Their work spans Congress, the executive branch, and grassroots initiatives, creating a unified and robust voice for Hellenic and Orthodox priorities.”

He added: “In recent years, a new generation of leaders has risen to prominence. Influential figures like Archbishop Elpidophoros, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Michael Kratsios, Zac Contronakis, and myself have used our platforms to address key issues such as military cooperation, energy security, and religious freedom.”

Kimberly Guilfoyle as US Ambassador to Greece

Kimberly Guilfoyle
Kimberly Guilfoyle Guilfoyle is set to become one of the most powerful and influential ambassadors to Greece in modern history, Marafatsos says. Credit: Gage Skidmore, CC2/Wikipedia

In December Trump picked Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality, to serve as ambassador to Greece.

“For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally. Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad,” Trump said.

“Kimberly is perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation,” he added.

Marafatsos is working with Guilfoyle and has an insider’s view of the qualities she would bring to the ambassadorial role.

“Guilfoyle is set to become one of the most powerful and influential ambassadors to Greece in modern history,” he told Greek Reporter.

“Her unmatched access to President Trump, his cabinet, and senior policymakers ensures that Greece’s strategic importance will remain front and center in US foreign policy.”

He said that her appointment may herald a transformative era in relations.

“I’ve had the privilege to work alongside Kimberly Guilfoyle. Guilfoyle’s vast network and her alignment with the America First agenda position her to spearhead initiatives that expand military partnerships, drive economic growth, and advance energy security. Her ability to seamlessly bridge Washington and Athens will further elevate Greece as a cornerstone of US policy in the region.”

Marafatsos praised the work of the outgoing US Ambassador George Tsunis in solidifying Greece’s role as a vital US ally in the Eastern Mediterranean.

He stressed however that under Guilfoyle’s leadership, the US-Greece relationship is poised to flourish, fostering shared goals of prosperity, stability, and mutual respect.

“Guilfoyle’s appointment represents a bold step forward in reinforcing one of America’s most essential partnerships, ensuring its growth and success in the years to come,” Marafatsos told Greek Reporter.

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