Trump Orders Closure of Strategic U.S. Base in Greece

ATHENS, Greece – U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the closure of the American military base in Alexandroupoli, Greece, signaling a potential shift in U.S. military strategy in southeastern Europe. This decision, first reported by the Greek newspaper Dimokratia, has raised alarm among Greek officials who view the base as vital for regional security and NATO operations.

According to the report, the closure stems from a joint request by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. If confirmed, this move would not only alter the dynamics of U.S. military presence in the region but also could lead to significant geopolitical consequences, particularly affecting relations with Turkey.

The Alexandroupoli base has been crucial for U.S. and NATO operations, providing logistical support for military initiatives in Eastern Europe. Its strategic location near the Turkish border has made it a focal point for NATO’s efforts to enhance security in the face of Russian aggression. The closure of the base could diminish the U.S. influence in the region, with concerns that it may enhance Turkey’s control over shipping routes in the Aegean Sea.

Reports indicate that since the conclusion of the war in Ukraine, the significance of the Alexandroupoli base may have diminished, leading to considerations about its future. “The closure of the base would augment [Turkey’s] influence over the straits and enhance Ankara’s authority to control the ingress and egress in the region,” the Dimokratia article stated.

In the wake of these reports, Greek officials have begun to reassess the strategic necessity of the base for the country’s national interests. The prospect of a U.S. withdrawal from NATO operations has implications for Greece’s long-term strategic planning amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe.

The ongoing shifts in military policy come at a time when Greece has been strengthening its military ties with the United States. This growing partnership has included hiring Washington lobbyists to bolster diplomatic relations, a recent contract worth $600,000 annually was signed with the BGR group, a firm closely linked to Trump.

So far, the U.S. administration has not provided official comment on the reported closure, leaving uncertainties about broader military realignment in the region. The implications of this decision are vital, as many observers consider it a diplomatic concession to both Russia and Turkey.

If the closure is confirmed, it could greatly shift the U.S. military footprint in Europe, with experts cautioning that this could lead to an increase in regional tensions. In reaction to the reports, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is currently in the U.S. for a U.N. Security Council meeting, where the discussions may address these changing dynamics.