One year into the second presidential term of Donald Trump, which began with sweeping interventions across global diplomacy, Athens appears to have moved beyond its initial period of cautious observation and found a pathway to re-engage directly with Washington.
Recent remarks by the US president during the credential ceremony of Greece’s new ambassador to Washington, Antonis Alexandridis, signaled that behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts are beginning to bear fruit. Trump’s brief but pointed comments effectively outlined what could become the new framework of Greek–American relations — one that, notably, aligns closely with Athens’ strategic priorities.
At the center of this evolving relationship stands Kimberly Guilfoyle, whom Trump publicly described as one of his “most trusted envoys.” The statement was widely interpreted in diplomatic circles as confirmation that Guilfoyle serves as his primary point person on Greece, playing an active and direct role in shaping bilateral engagement.
A Pragmatic, Business-Oriented Approach
Faced with a volatile international environment and a US administration driven by the “America First” and “Make America Great Again” doctrines, Athens has opted for a pragmatic strategy. Rather than focusing on ideological alignment, the Greek government has emphasized compatibility with American economic and strategic interests.
Energy cooperation, defense ties, and Greece’s role in stabilizing the Eastern Mediterranean have moved to the forefront of discussions.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has maintained a balanced approach — avoiding the sharp rhetoric adopted by some European leaders toward Trump while remaining aligned with broader EU positions.
During the Oval Office ceremony, Trump praised Greece’s “leadership role in NATO,” emphasizing that Athens understands “peace is secured through strength.” He also highlighted energy infrastructure projects such as the Vertical Corridor, describing them as critical to regional energy security.
Energy Diplomacy and Strategic Infrastructure
Energy cooperation has become a cornerstone of the renewed partnership.
At the 6th Transatlantic Energy Cooperation Summit (P-TEC) in Athens, attended by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, groundwork was laid for expanded US–Greek collaboration.
American energy giant Chevron has entered the Greek market for hydrocarbon exploration, while agreements involving US LNG suppliers such as Venture Global signal Washington’s growing economic stake in Greece’s energy transformation.
The Vertical Corridor initiative — designed to transport LNG and strengthen Europe’s diversification away from Russian energy — is seen as both strategically vital and commercially attractive to US stakeholders.
Defense Cooperation and NATO Alignment
Defense remains another pillar of alignment.
Greece’s continued commitment to maintaining defense spending at or above NATO targets has positioned it favorably in Washington, particularly compared to other European states criticized by Trump.
Key elements include:
- The strategic US naval presence at Souda Bay in Crete
- Greece’s procurement of F-35 fighter jets
- Expanded cooperation in defense industries
Trump also floated the possibility of US frigates being constructed in Greece, a prospect tied to the growing involvement of ONEX Shipyards and Technologies and financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation.
Sensitive Balancing Acts
Despite growing alignment, Athens remains cautious.
The Greek government cannot endorse Trump’s skepticism toward international law or multilateral institutions such as the United Nations. Nor can it embrace rhetoric perceived as hostile toward migrants — an especially sensitive issue in European democracies.
Particularly delicate is the management of Greek–Turkish tensions. Athens seeks to avoid any scenario in which Trump might intervene in bilateral disputes in a manner perceived as outside established international legal frameworks.
Gaza, Peace Initiatives and Regional Role
Greece has also engaged — cautiously — in discussions surrounding post-war governance in Gaza under UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
Athens participated as an observer in initial Peace Council meetings in Washington, seeking to balance its close ties with Israel, trusted relationships with key Arab states, and longstanding engagement with Palestinian leadership.
Greek officials have signaled readiness to contribute personnel — potentially 100 to 150 members — to a future International Stabilization Force, should operational details be finalized.
Could Trump Visit Athens?
Diplomatic sources suggest that a Strategic Dialogue session between Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected soon in Athens.
Speculation also persists about a possible Trump visit to Greece, potentially timed alongside NATO meetings in the region. Symbolic scenarios — including an address with the Parthenon as backdrop — have not been ruled out.
Guilfoyle’s Central Role
Trump’s explicit endorsement of Kimberly Guilfoyle has strengthened her standing within diplomatic channels. While her public persona occasionally generates controversy, insiders note that she is deeply engaged in substantive policy coordination concerning Greece.
Her position appears pivotal in ensuring Athens maintains direct access to the White House during a period when geopolitical alignments are rapidly shifting.