ENGLISH SECTION
02/09/2025 | 12:01
President Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Visits Greek American Businesses in Virginia and Washington to Champion the American Dream
On this Labor Day, President Donald J. Trump’s Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, together with Greeks for Trump Co-Chair Christos Marafatsos, visited two iconic Greek American restaurants in Virginia and Washington, D.C. to honor the hardworking men and women serving their communities and to celebrate the American Dream.
The Secretary highlighted McLean Family Restaurant and Metro 29 Diner—two Greek family-owned institutions that embody how faith, family, and free enterprise have shaped the Greek American journey of success.
“Greek Americans are the definition of the American Dream. They came here with faith in God, worked hard, built businesses, and created opportunity not only for their families but for their entire communities,” said Secretary Bessent. “President Trump understands that small business owners are the backbone of America, and that’s why he cut taxes, slashed regulations, and made sure hard work is rewarded.”
Under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, there will be no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, ensuring that restaurant workers, waiters, and small business employees keep more of their hard-earned money.
“These policies are life-changing for millions of hardworking Americans, especially in our restaurant industry where Greek Americans lead the way. By eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, President Trump is putting more money directly back into the hands of workers and small business families,” said Christos Marafatsos.
Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, together with Greeks for Trump Co-Chair Christos Marafatsos, visited two iconic Greek American restaurants in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Photo via Greeks for Trump
At McLean Family Restaurant, owned by the Kapetanakis family for over 40 years, Secretary Bessent celebrated their legacy of community service. “This restaurant is proof that with hard work, faith, and family, the American Dream is alive and well,” he said, noting that food prices, like eggs, have fallen dramatically—by more than 50%—thanks to Trump’s economic policies.
At Metro 29 Diner, owned by the Bota and Kanellias families since 1995, the Secretary praised their New York–style favorites and baked goods as an example of how Greek American businesses bring culture, tradition, and entrepreneurship to American life.
Bessent also shared his own story of starting work at age 9 at Hardwick’s Cafeteria in South Carolina. “I started as a busboy, and I’ve never stopped working since. That’s what America is all about—hard work, opportunity, and reward. And now, thanks to President Trump, I have the honor of working for the American people.”
“Greek Americans have always believed in the promise of America because this nation rewards hard work and entrepreneurship,” added Marafatsos. “Under President Trump, our community—and small business owners across the country—have a leader who believes in them and fights for their success.”
The visit underscored the Trump Administration’s commitment to empowering small businesses, honoring immigrant contributions, and strengthening the ties between the United States and Greece through economic opportunity, community values, and shared prosperity.
