President Donald Trump ushered in Greek Independence Day with a spirited celebration at the White House on Monday, honoring the deep ties between the United States and Greece ahead of the holiday’s official date, March 25. The annual reception, steeped in tradition and grandeur, reaffirmed the nearly two-century-old bond between the two nations, spotlighting their shared commitment to democracy and cultural legacy.
With great pomp, the event marked the 204th anniversary of Greece’s fight for independence from the Ottoman Empire, which began on March 25, 1821. Trump took the stage alongside Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, delivering a speech and signing the proclamation for Greek Independence Day—a ritual capped with his signature flair as he tossed pens to an enthusiastic crowd of Greek Americans who cheered throughout. “Both history and culture bind Americans to Greece, the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization,” Trump declared. “You can see it from the pages of the U.S. Constitution to the architecture of Washington, D.C.—a legacy of freedom that ties us together.”
This tradition, initiated by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, holds special significance as one of only two ethnic celebrations—the other being Irish—annually hosted at the White House. Trump has embraced it with gusto, blending ceremony with personal touches that have become a hallmark of his tenure. In his remarks, he traced the U.S.-Greece connection back to 1821, noting, “When Greek patriots began their noble struggle against a powerful empire, President James Monroe said the civilized world must care about their victory. He knew Americans were linked to the cradle of democracy through our history and culture.”
Trump also lauded the Greek-American community: “Greek-Americans have blessed our country with exceptional courage, patriotism, and tremendous skill. Perhaps our greatest gift from Greece is this incredible community, now over 3 million strong. Under this administration, we’ll keep honoring this heritage’s virtues, ideals, and spirit—from the Golden Age of Greece to the Golden Age of America.” He quipped, “I worked hard for your votes, but we didn’t need them—we won big. We love them, and they love us.”
The President spotlighted notable Greek-Americans in his orbit, including Michael Kratsios, head of the White House Office of Science and Technology, and congressmen Mike Haridopolos and Gus Bilirakis of Florida—the latter a “good friend.” He also invited Alex Skarlatos to the stage, hailing him as an American hero. “Inspired by his grandfather and Greek resistance, Alex joined the National Guard after high school,” Trump recounted. “Ten years after Afghanistan, he and his friends stopped a radical Islamist shooter on a train from Amsterdam to Paris—unarmed, with tremendous bravery.”
Among the distinguished guests were Greece’s Ambassador to the U.S., Katerina Nassika, Cyprus’s Ambassador Evangelos Savvas, and congressional candidate Jimmy Patronis, whom Trump noted is “doing well in the polls.” Kimberly Guilfoyle, the proposed U.S. Ambassador to Athens, joined Trump onstage, delivering a speech that underscored his commitment to Greek-American relations. “He loves Greece,” she said. “Under President Trump, you can rest easy knowing a man is fighting for our economies, religious freedom, and the enduring alliance between Washington and Athens.”
Archbishop Elpidophoros offered a heartfelt tribute, congratulating Trump on his reelection and presenting him with a “Holy Cross” reminiscent of Constantine the Great’s vision. “We celebrate the world’s first democracy, Greece, and its greatest, the United States,” he said. “Like the heroes of 1776 and 1821, you embody our values. With this cross—‘Ἐν τούτῳ νίκα,’ ‘With this, conquer’—I pray you bring peace and make America invincible.” He thanked Trump for supporting the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Cyprus, and Christian communities in the Middle East, adding, “Your Office of Faith opens a path for collaboration with religious leaders.”
The event unfolded amid a busy week in Washington, with Trump navigating economic and foreign policy challenges. Yet, his focus on Greece highlighted a robust NATO partnership—bolstered by the U.S. naval presence at Souda Bay—and economic ties deepened by initiatives like the 2018 Thessaloniki International Fair.
For the 3 million Americans of Greek heritage, the day is deeply personal, a bridge between ancestral roots and national pride. Trump’s nod to their contributions echoed past tributes, like his 2019 spotlight on Greek-American entrepreneur George Marafatsos.
As parades gear up in cities like New York and Chicago tomorrow, the White House celebration set a tone of unity and nostalgia. For Trump, it’s a chance to weave patriotism with a vision linking ancient Athens to what he calls America’s “Golden Age”—a salute to the past and a pledge for the future.