Several Greek Americans are in close orbit to Donald Trump set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the US during a ceremony that will take place inside the Capitol building in Washington, DC on Monday.
From fundraising, advising in different issues, and participating in the Trump 2.0 administration, these key individuals have brought their unique perspectives to the forefront of American politics, fostering a notable presence within the president’s inner circle.
Their influence reflects not only their commitment to the administration’s MAGA agenda but also the enduring impact of the Greek-American community on the political stage.
Greeks in the Trump administration
Michael Kratsios
Michael Kratsios has been appointed to lead the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy. Kratsios, a Greek-American with roots in the island of Chios and the city of Kastoria, previously served as the U.S. Chief Technology Officer during Trump’s first term.
“Together, we will unleash scientific breakthroughs, ensure America’s technological dominance, and usher in a Golden Age of American Innovation!” Trump wrote in a statement accompanying his appointment.
Kratsios will advise “AI and Crypto Czar” David Sacks as the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He previously served as Trump’s chief technology officer and oversaw tech policy on the transition team, together with Gail Slater, who will lead the antitrust division at the Department of Justice. Before that, Kratsios served as CEO of the company Scale AI.
Michael Rigas
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Greek American Michael Rigas as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.
“Michael will bring accountability to the State Department as he did Government-wide when he served in my First Term as the Deputy and Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the Acting Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Mike is a conservative warrior who knows how Government works, and will help Make America Great Again,” he added.
Michael Rigas is the Deputy Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management and Acting Deputy Director of Management at the Office of Management and Budget. Over the past 20 years he worked in the private, public and non-profit sectors, with a record of improving organizational performance and streamlining operations.
Greeks for Trump in Congress
In a Congress marked by sharp partisan divides, three Greek-American Republican lawmakers have emerged as influential voices aligned with Donald Trump’s vision.
Representing diverse districts but united by their conservative values and shared heritage, these legislators bring a blend of legislative expertise, and cultural pride to the table.
As Trump continues to shape the Republican Party’s direction, these members are well-positioned to serve as pivotal allies—advocating for his policies, rallying support among key constituencies, and navigating complex legislative battles to advance his agenda.
Gus Bilirakis
Gus Bilirakis has been serving as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 12th congressional district since 2013. A proud Greek-American, and one of the first members of congress to embrace Trump’s candidacy in 2026, Bilirakis has consistently worked to strengthen U.S.-Greece relations and support Cypriot sovereignty.
As a co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, he has championed legislation and initiatives that promote cultural, economic, and strategic partnerships between the United States and Greece, as well as efforts to address regional tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He recently hailed Trump’s appointment of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. In a press announcement, he expressed confidence that the “second Trump administration with Marco Rubio in charge of the State Department will continue to hold Turkish President Erdogan accountable, specifically by not letting Turkey back into the F-35 program due to its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system,” while noting that in his first presidency, Trump “held Turkey accountable for its violations of religious freedom against the Patriarchate and other religious minorities” and “was the first to impose sanctions against Turkey.”
Nicole Malliotakis
Nicole Malliotakis was elected in the 11th New York Congressional District (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn). She will be a close ally of Trump in Congress. Earlier in January she said she had a “productive” meeting with the incoming President at Mar-a-Lago.
The congresswoman said she, along with a contingent of other Republican House members, discussed a variety of topics with Trump, including state and local tax (SALT) deductions, congestion pricing, the World Trade Center Health Program, and more, ahead of “the upcoming reconciliation package.”
In a recent interview with Greek Reporter she said that the most important issues are “Rebuilding the economy, restoring American jobs, public safety and preserving the American dream and stopping socialism.”
Mike Haridopolos
Greek American Mike Haridopolos was elected to the House of Representatives from Florida’s 8th congressional district in 2024. He is the son of a Greek immigrant who served as an FBI agent.
As a conservative lawmaker, he has pushed for greater government transparency, reduced property taxes, and transformed the Florida Senate into a more conservative policy body.
Recently he expressed strong support in Trump’s intention to gain greater control of Greenland. He said the acquisition of Greenland could be important to the American space industry — and in turn, Florida. While the freshman Congressman did not discuss Trump’s suggestion that he may explore military intervention, he expressed confidence the incoming administration can cut a deal favorable to the US.
Greeks in Trump Campaign
Christos Marafatsos is the Chairman of Greek Americans for Trump and has been leading outreach efforts to the Greek-American community on behalf of President Trump and promoting America First principles.
He is also the only Greek American currently working directly with the incoming Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Marafatsos is serving on the boards of America’s most prominent conservative organizations, including CPAC, Bienvenido, and the Black Conservative Federation and he is Vice-Chair of President Trump’s National Diversity Coalition advancing economic initiatives that directly help the minority communities of the US.
He is also collaborating with Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony to strengthen engagement with the Greek-American community.
Stavros Anthony
Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, a distinguished Greek American and a supporter of Trump. Anthony has a background in law enforcement, having served as a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department captain.
Speaking to Greek Reporter recently he said: “When [Trump] was the president for four years, we had low inflation. We had low interest rates. Our gas prices were very low. It was easier for families to take care of their families. It was easier for small businesses to open and grow and prosper. And today it’s the opposite. Inflation is through the roof.”
“I believe Donald Trump can bring our economy back to where it was four years ago. And I think that’s great for all of us, including Greek Americans,” he added.
The Greek Friends
Philip Nicozisis
Although not a professional politician, multi-talented Philip Nicozisis is perhaps the single Greek American with the most access to the Trump family, as he has been a friend of the Trumps for decades.
A well-known figure at the Mar-a-lago circles, Nicozisis is a prominent Palm Beach entrepreneur and author, a devoted Republican, an admirer of President Trump, a musical artist, and a vegan!
John Catsimatidis
Greek-American billionaire John Catsimatidis — the 702nd-wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of $4.1 billion, per Forbes — was born on the Greek island of Nisyros.
He has known Trump for years through the NYC Republican circles. He recently said: “President Trump – I have known him for a long time – he gets rattled up. But at the end of the day, he has more common sense than many.”
He was invited by Trump to watch the Election Day returns at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. But the billionaire was busy broadcasting from WABC radio till 6 a.m.
What Greeks can expect from Trump 2.0
“Greek Americans in the Trump administration and Congress bring an invaluable blend of cultural heritage, strategic insight, and professional expertise to U.S.-Greece relations,” Christos Marafatsos told Greek Reporter.
“This new generation of leaders recognizes the immense opportunities Greece and Cyprus offer for advancing regional security, economic growth, and America’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he added.
He noted that nearly 75 percent of Greek-Americans voted for Trump in November and stressed that they should expect expanded military cooperation, increased trade, and greater economic collaboration with Greece and Cyprus.
During President Trump’s first term, the Greek-American community played a pivotal role in advancing the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act. This legislation strengthened US ties with Greece and Cyprus and promoted stability in the region.
Marafatsos also highlighted the Greek-American lobby which as he said is one of the most effective and influential advocacy networks in Washington. Organizations like the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, AHEPA, AHI, and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarch have spent decades advocating for issues critical to Greece and Cyprus.
“Their work spans Congress, the executive branch, and grassroots initiatives, creating a unified and robust voice for Hellenic and Orthodox priorities.”
He added: “In recent years, a new generation of leaders has risen to prominence. Influential figures like Archbishop Elpidophoros, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Michael Kratsios, Zac Contronakis, and myself have used our platforms to address key issues such as military cooperation, energy security, and religious freedom.”
Kimberly Guilfoyle as US Ambassador to Greece
In December Trump picked Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality, to serve as ambassador to Greece.
“For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally. Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad,” Trump said.
“Kimberly is perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation,” he added.
Marafatsos is working with Guilfoyle and has an insider’s view of the qualities she would bring to the ambassadorial role.
“Guilfoyle is set to become one of the most powerful and influential ambassadors to Greece in modern history,” he told Greek Reporter.
“Her unmatched access to President Trump, his cabinet, and senior policymakers ensures that Greece’s strategic importance will remain front and center in US foreign policy.”
He said that her appointment may herald a transformative era in relations.
“I’ve had the privilege to work alongside Kimberly Guilfoyle. Guilfoyle’s vast network and her alignment with the America First agenda position her to spearhead initiatives that expand military partnerships, drive economic growth, and advance energy security. Her ability to seamlessly bridge Washington and Athens will further elevate Greece as a cornerstone of US policy in the region.”
Marafatsos praised the work of the outgoing US Ambassador George Tsunis in solidifying Greece’s role as a vital US ally in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He stressed however that under Guilfoyle’s leadership, the US-Greece relationship is poised to flourish, fostering shared goals of prosperity, stability, and mutual respect.
“Guilfoyle’s appointment represents a bold step forward in reinforcing one of America’s most essential partnerships, ensuring its growth and success in the years to come,” Marafatsos told Greek Reporter.
