Steve Bannon, Donald Trump’s former chief strategist in the latter’s first administration, came into the “crosshairs” of Turkish media after posing on social media holding a t-shirt with the logo “Free Constantinople” – the Greek name of modern-day Istanbul, still used today by Greek speakers.
A key figure in the rise of the alt-right in the US who played a crucial role in Trump’s ascent to power in 2016, Bannon has never hidden his critical stance against Turkish President Recep Erdogan describing him as one of the world’s most dangerous leaders during a visit to Athens in 2019.
“Erdogan is a very dangerous character, and his Islamist tendencies are highly concerning,” Bannon, who is now reportedly in Trump’s inner circle again, said.
He went on to warn in 2019 about the threats posed by Erdogan’s leverage over Europe, threatening to release 4 million refugees across the borders—a significant threat for Greece in particular. “Is this man an ally?” he asked. “When he threatens the Balkans and Greece with 4 million refugees? This is not the behavior of an ally.”
Bannon was pictured smiling in a post by his friend Raheem Kassam (a conservative British journalist-commentator), holding “his favorite Christmas gift”: a T-shirt with the slogan “Free Constantinople” and a design featuring a shield and sword.
Known for being a provocateur, Bannon expressed his delight (through Kassam) at the “endless comments from Turks crying under the post.” But he didn’t stop there. The image, which was among the top trends on X, quickly made its way to Turkish media, where it sparked extensive commentary and predictable irritation. Several journalists interpreted it as a “provocation” and a bad omen for the intentions of the next U.S. administration.
That said, Trump followed his own policy, and U.S. diplomacy never severed ties with Turkey. So, while the banter on Twitter may be entertaining, no one should assume anyone is gearing up to “liberate Constantinople.”
