The prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis
At a time when many European leaders are turning away from Trump, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is asserting himself as one of his strongest defenders as part of a renewed strategy against Turkey.
With cuts in trade relations with Spain, insults against it, and the military threat always looming over Greenland, it is clear to say that Donald Trump’s relationship with European partners has seen better days.
The fear of contagion from Trump’s unpopularity is so great that they have already begun to distance themselves from the US administration. However, there is one exception to highlight: the Greece.
The government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is asserting itself as one of the administrations most openly pro-MAGA in Europe. At the heart of this diplomatic offensive is the possibility that Trump will visit Greece this summer to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The US ambassador, Kimberly Guilfoyleadvocated that the president make a speech at the Acropolis of Athenspresenting Greece as the symbolic birthplace of democracy and a spiritual inspiration for America’s founding fathers. “We would all love that, wouldn’t we?” he said.
Mitsotakis promised the American president a warm welcome and “Greek hospitality”. Trump, in turn, praised Greece as a “fantastic” ally and described Mitsotakis as a “fantastic guy”.
For Athens, however, the rapprochement goes far beyond symbolism. Greece sees the United States as its main security ally against neighboring Türkiye, especially amid long-standing tensions with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Greek authorities are committed to avoiding any renewed strategic narrowing between Trump and Erdoganwhose personal relationship has caused instability in Athens in the past, says .
The government is also betting heavily on economic cooperation with Washington. Since Guilfoyle’s arrival in Athens last year, Greece has accelerated agreements involving American interests in energy and infrastructure. One of the most notable developments was an agreement with ExxonMobil to begin offshore drilling projects in Greek waters, marking the country’s first major exploration initiative in more than four decades.
Athens has also aligned itself with Washington’s energy strategy towards Ukraine, participating in efforts to replace Russian gas supplies by American liquefied natural gas (LNG). Greece became the first European Union country to formally support the American initiative through LNG imports intended to supply Ukraine during the winter months.
Guilfoyle also adopted a aggressive stance against Chinese influence in Greece, particularly in relation to Beijing’s involvement in the Port of Piraeus. His criticisms have sparked discussions about the expansion of US-backed infrastructure projects near Athens, including plans for a new port in Elefsina.
The strengthening of the relationship also becomes increasingly ideological. Mitsotakis’ conservative New Democracy party has adopted rhetoric and priorities that echo themes associated with Trump’s MAGA movement, including stricter immigration policiesemphasis on Christianity, national identity and criticism of “woke” culture.
This alliance became especially visible at the recent Delphi Economic Forum, where prominent Trump allies and conservative figures gathered alongside Greek officials. Attendees included Trump advisor Paul Dans, representatives from the Heritage Foundation and members of the “Greeks for Trump” movement. Speakers repeatedly highlighted Greece as a key U.S. ally in the broader geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China.
Mitsotakis’ rapprochement with Trump marks a notable political shift. In 2022, the Greek leader was warmly welcomed in Washington and seen as close to former Vice President Kamala Harris. After Trump’s return to power, however, Greek conservatives quickly repositioned themselves to maintain influence with the White House.
If confirmed, a high-level visit by Trump to Athens would not only symbolize Greece’s privileged status in Trump’s Europe strategy, but would also reinforce the country’s ambitions to serve as Washington’s closest ally in the Eastern Mediterranean.
