Christos Marafatsos, Chair of the Greek-American Committee for Trump 2024 and advisor to President Trump since 2015, spoke on Voice of Greece’s radio show “Our Global Voice” with Petros Diplas and Dimitris Kontogiannis. He discussed his family history, with roots in Sparta, Chios, and Tripoli, the priorities of the new Trump administration, Greek-American relations, and criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s policy on arming Turkey with F-16 fighter jets.
Marafatsos shared that his family arrived in the U.S. in 1958 after three years in Australia, where his father and uncle worked shining shoes near the White House from the age of 12 before achieving the American dream by founding a real estate development company. He also spoke warmly of Ambassador Ric Grenell, rumored to take a top position in Trump’s new administration, highlighting Grenell’s pragmatism, deep knowledge of Balkan issues, and strong support for strengthening Greek-American relations.
Marafatsos emphasized that President Trump is a friend of Greece, viewing the U.S.-Greece relationship as a significant opportunity in trade, the economy, and defense. He acknowledged Greece’s progress over the past 5-6 years, which supports this relationship. He also mentioned the “3+1” initiative among the U.S., Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, initiated during Trump’s first term, noting that it was the first time U.S. policy practically shifted in favor of Greece over Turkey. In contrast, President Biden, who has had ties with the Greek-American community for nearly 50 years and is often called “Bidenopoulos,” approved the modernization of 79 Turkish F-16 jets and the sale of 40 additional aircraft to Turkey.