Ambassador Richard Grenell, a top foreign policy advisor to former President Donald J. Trump, addressed Greek American leaders on October 9, vowing that a second Trump administration would prioritize stronger ties between the United States and Greece.
Richard Grenell served as Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump’s in 2020.
The event, held at the Union League of Philadelphia, drew a mix of political and business leaders from the Greek American community, highlighting their increasing political engagement as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
In his remarks, according to a press release, Grenell focused on issues of particular relevance to Greek Americans, including religious freedom, security in the Eastern Mediterranean, and U.S.-Greece relations. He reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to supporting Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and defending Orthodox Christianity internationally. Grenell also underscored Trump’s economic policies, including tax cuts and efforts to combat inflation, which he said would benefit the Greek American community.
“President Trump is the only candidate truly committed to addressing the key issues facing the Greek American community,” the press release quoted Grenell as saying. He added that a second Trump administration would aim to further strengthen U.S.-Greece relations and uphold values important to Greek Americans.
The event was co-chaired by Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Nicole Malliotakis, as well as businessman Christos Marafatsos. “This is a pivotal moment for our country, and Greek Americans have a critical role to play in re-electing President Trump,” Marafatsos said, adding that Ambassador Grenell offered a deep understanding of the community’s concerns and pledged to continue to collaborate with Greek-American leaders.
Not only did Ambassador Grenell offer a deep understanding of the community’s concerns, but he also assured us that he will continue to collaborate with our leaders to find constructive solutions to the challenges we face.
Greek Americans for Trump, a group established in 2016, has worked to represent the community’s concerns in national discussions, particularly on U.S.-Greece relations, religious freedom, and cultural preservation. With the 2024 election nearing, Grenell’s address signaled ongoing efforts by Trump’s campaign to secure the backing of this influential constituency.
