US President Donald Trump hosted a special White House event on Thursday night, March 26, 2026, to mark Greek Independence Day, welcoming Greek-American community leaders, senior Orthodox Church officials, and US officials for a celebration of the enduring relationship between the United States and Greece.
The event, held in a packed room that included representatives of the Greek diaspora, Archbishop Elpidophoros, and US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties between the two countries.
Trump opened the evening on a warm note, telling attendees, “It is a great honor to be here tonight. I would not miss it for anything,” before wishing Greeks a “Happy Independence Day.”
Trump praises Greece’s democratic and cultural legacy
Placing the anniversary in a broader historical context, Trump said, “When America declared its independence 250 years ago, the Greeks did the same. Since then, the United States and Greek democracy have stood side by side and guided Western culture.”
He went on to praise Greece’s enduring contribution to civilization and American political thought. “We owe the Greeks so much,” he said. “Americans learn about Socrates, Aristotle, and the bravery of the Spartans.”
Trump also pointed to the democratic legacy of ancient Athens, saying, “In the heart of ancient Athens, the Greeks did what we want to do too: only citizens should be able to vote.”
He further emphasized the influence of Greek culture and design on the United States. “I have declared my love for ancient Greek civilization and architecture,” he said, adding that American society has drawn inspiration from “the incredible architects” of Greece.
Greek-American community in the spotlight
Turning to the Greek-American community, Trump referenced Astoria, one of the best-known centers of Greek life in New York. “I know a lot about Astoria. In Queens, the Greeks have something so special. There is nothing like the Greek spirit.”
He also highlighted the rebuilt St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Ground Zero, recalling that it had been destroyed in the September 11 attacks and later reconstructed. “You know that after the attack of September 11, the Greek church was destroyed, but it was rebuilt bigger than before. The marble used is the same as that of the Parthenon,” Trump said.
Returning to Greece’s wider global legacy, he added, “Without Athens, we might never had the Philadelphia. Today, we celebrate friendship with Greece and cooperation with the Americans who want to make America great again.”
At one point during the event, Trump also publicly praised Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, inviting her forward and saying, “You are the best. Everybody loves you. Come stand next to us.”
Archbishop Elpidophoros stresses strategic ties
Archbishop Elpidophoros then took the floor, underscoring not only the symbolic importance of the occasion but also the strategic relationship between the two countries. “You do the Greek community a great honor by celebrating March 25,” he said.
“This honor binds Greece and the United States in a strategic alliance with mutual respect and extends to cooperation on issues of energy and strategy. Greece is the harbinger of democracy, just as America is.”
He also thanked Trump for his stance on Cyprus, saying, “We thank you for your support on the Cyprus issue. In all the churches, we pray for all the armed forces.”
Event Closes With Prayer of Saint Basil
As the event drew to a close, Archbishop Elpidophoros referred to the cross he had presented to Trump the previous year and said he would now offer something different.
“Everyone is wondering what I will offer you after the cross I presented to you last year. I will close with a special prayer that we say every Sunday before Easter: the Prayer of Saint Basil.”
Proclamation highlights shared democratic values
The themes of the evening were also reflected in a proclamation issued earlier this week, which stressed the principles that continue to bind the United States and Greece, including liberty, self-government, and national sovereignty.
The document described both countries as linked by a shared history of struggle for freedom and a lasting commitment to democratic ideals, reinforcing the message at the heart of the White House celebration.
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