President Donald Trump was joined in the Rose Garden by Greece Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Tuesday for a joint press briefing. During the questioning, a reporter brought up comments Tsipras made likening Trump to evil. The president joked, “I wish I knew that before my speech.”
Prior to that, Trump said, “I’m honored to welcome Prime Minister Tsipras of Greece, and he’s a special man who’s done a very special job. We’re grateful to the Prime Minister and to his entire delegation for visiting us today at the White House.” He added, “Greece is a cradle of Western civilization, so true, of democracy, literature, philosophy, science, and so much else. America looks on that glorious heritage with wonder and with awe. You do indeed have a tremendous heritage, Mr. Prime Minister.”
The President continued, “Perhaps for this reason, America’s friendship with the Greek people has been long and enduring. Thomas Jefferson wrote at the dawn of the modern Greek state that ‘no people sympathize more’ with Greek patriots and ‘none offer more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for their success’ than the American people.”
Prime Minister Tsipras emphasized, “The friendship between our two countries is very strong, and it’s based on our common democratic principles, on the values that we jointly share as peoples.”
He said, “It is correct that the founders of the United States were inspired by Ancient Greece, and the Greek revolution was inspired by the American revolution for independence. At the same time, our relationship is based . . . is also based on a very dynamic diaspora of Greek people here in the U.S., which offers many . . . has many to offer for both countries.”
Later, a reporter asked, “And, Mr. Prime Minister, with respect to the President, in March of 2016 you said, at the potential for a Donald Trump presidency, ‘I hope we will not face this evil.’ And I’m wondering if, after spending time with the President, you have changed your mind or if you’re of the same mind.”
President Trump jabbed, “I wish I knew that before my speech.”
Tsipras laughed and answered, “We need common values — we have common values, excuse me. Don’t forget that the value of democracy and freedom was born in Greece, and it’s one of the basic values that traverses the American culture and American tradition.”
He added, “President (Trump) today, of the U.S., continues this tradition. And I think our collaboration will be very substantial, and I’m very optimistic after our meeting that we had today.”
Watch the briefing below: