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George Papadopoulos

George Papadopoulos

Overview

Name: George D. Papadopoulos

Born: Chicago, Illinois (DOB unknown)

Education: Master of Science, University of London, 2010

Bachelor of Arts, DePaul University, 2009

Family: Mother: Kate Papadopoulos

Father: Antonios Papadopoulos

Religion: Christian

Career: Independent oil, gas, and policy consultant, (Jan 2017 – present)

Adviser, Donald J. Trump for President (Mar 2016 – Jan 2017)

Director, London Center of International Law Practice (Feb 2016 – Apr 2016)

Adviser, Ben Carson for President (Nov 2016 – Feb 2016)

Energy Stream (Sep 2015 – Feb 2015)

Research Associate, Hudson Institute (Mar 2011 – Sep 2015)

Research Analyst, American Hellenic Institute (Jun 2008 – Aug 2008)

Organizations: International Presidential Business Advisory Council (Cyprus)

Social Media:   Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

KNOWN CONTROVERISES

Despite His Lack Of Experience, Papadopoulos Was A Foreign Policy Adviser To The Trump And Ben Carson Presidential Campaigns

Papadopoulos Served As A Foreign Policy Adviser To Trump Despite Having Remarkably Little Experience

Papadopoulos Graduated From DePaul University In 2009 Before Getting His Master’s From The University Of London In 2010. According to the Washington Post, “Papadopoulos, a 2009 graduate of DePaul University, directs an international energy center at the London Center of International Law Practice. He previously advised the presidential campaign of Ben Carson and worked as a research fellow at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has had meetings with the president of Cyprus and the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. He obtained a master’s degree from the University of London in 2010.” [Washington Post, 3/21/16]

As A Representative Of The Trump Campaign, Papadopoulos Espoused A Pro-Russian Stance

Papadopoulos Represented The Trump Campaign In Various Meetings Where He Presented A Pro-Russian Stance. According to The Washington Post, “But, according to foreign news reports and officials, he conducted a number of high-level meetings last year and presented himself as a representative of the Trump campaign. He told a group of researchers in Israel that Trump saw Putin as ‘a responsible actor and potential partner,’ according to a column in the Jerusalem Post, while later he met with a British Foreign Office representative in London, an embassy spokesman said. He also criticised US sanctions on Russia in an interview with the Russian news outlet Interfax.” [The Washington Post, 3/30/17]

Papadopoulos Embellished Multiple Items On His Resume

Papadopoulos Claimed To Be A “Fellow” At The Hudson Institute When He Was Actually An Unpaid Intern And Contract Worker

Papadopoulos Embellished His Experience At The Hudson Institute, Where He Only Worked As An Unpaid Intern And A Contractual Research Assistant. According to the Washington Post, “Trump, who has cited himself as his primary foreign policy adviser, has announced eight team members so far, one of whom has discrepancies on his résumé. George Papadopoulos, a 2009 graduate of DePaul University, has described himself in several lengthy published résumés as an oil and gas consultant and expert in eastern Mediterranean energy policy. But his claim to have served for several years as a fellow at the Washington-based Hudson Institute was refuted by David Tell, Hudson senior fellow and director of public affairs, who said the institute’s ‘records indicate that Mr. Papadopoulos started here as an unpaid intern in 2011 and subsequently provided some contractual research assistance to one of our senior fellows.’” [Washington Post, 4/15/16]

Papadopoulos Even Embellished His Involvement In A Model U.N. Conference, Which He Touted As A Credential On His LinkedIn Page

Papadopoulos Listed His Participation In “Model U.N.” As A Credential On His LinkedIn Page. According to the Washington Post, “On his LinkedIn page, Papadopoulos lists among his awards and honors that he was U.S. Representative at the 2012 Geneva International Model United Nations.” [Washington Post, 3/21/16]

  • Papadopoulos Embellished His Involvement With The Model U.N.—Two Attendees Of The 2012 Conference Said He Did Not Attend.  According to the Washington Post, “Papadopoulos also lists attendance as “U.S. Representative at the 2012 Geneva International Model United Nations.” Two people who were part of the delegation that year, including Antony Papadopoulos (no relation), current secretary general of the Geneva program, said they had no recollection of him being there. [Washington Post, 4/15/16]

Experts In Papadopoulos’ Field Said They Were Unfamiliar With His Work

Despite Papadopoulos’ Purported Work In Energy Policy, Many Experts In The Field Said They Were Unfamiliar With Him. According to the Washington Post, “Several people in energy policy circles in London, Washington and New York said they knew nothing of him. Almost all his work appears to have revolved around the role of Greece, Cyprus and an Israeli natural gas discovery in the eastern Mediterranean. Yet Jonathan Stern, director of gas research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, said when asked about Papadopoulos: ‘He does ring a very faint bell but he’s not written anything very significant on East Mediterranean natural gas and pipelines that I can remember.’” [Washington Post, 3/21/16]

  • Elizabeth Rosenberg Of The Center For A New American Security Said Papadopoulos Lacked A “Strong Contemporary Background On Domestic Energy Issues.” According to the Washington Post, “Elizabeth Rosenberg, an energy expert at the Center for a New American Security, said judging from the limited writing Papadopoulos has done that “his approach won’t square well with an American audience: he lacks a strong contemporary background on domestic energy issues.” She added that “he has argued for Israeli gas moving to Europe. If that eventually comes to pass it will compete with U.S. gas to Europe. The United States and Israel are allies, but whose team is he on?” [Washington Post, 3/21/16]

Papadopoulos Lied About Giving A 2008 Keynote Speech That Michael Dukakis Delivered To A Conference

Papadopoulos Said He Delivered A Keynote Address At A Conference That Featured Michael Dukakis As Its Keynote. According to the Washington Post, “He also cites the delivery of a keynote address at the 2008 annual American Hellenic Institute Foundation Conference. The conference agenda that year noted Papadopoulos’s participation on a youth panel with other students; it lists 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis as the keynote speaker.” [Washington Post, 3/21/16]

Papadopoulos Did Not Challenge The Washington Post’s Account Of His Inflated Résumé And Blamed The Allegations On “Establishment GOP Foreign Policy Advisers.”

When The Washington Post Confronted Papadopoulos About The Discrepancies In His Resume, He Blamed “Establishment GOP Foreign Policy Advisers” Of Being Unduly Bitter. According to the Washington Post, “Asked via his LinkedIn account about these discrepancies, Papadopoulos initially replied with a question. ‘Is it true that the ‘establishment GOP foreign policy advisers,’ many of whom I’ve met, are confused why the presidential front runner chose a group of experts with regional, on the ground experience, with track records of getting deals done with governments, instead of relying on their failed policies they likely devised at Starbucks on Pennsylvania Ave? If so, I am very shocked.’ He referred subsequent emailed questions about the discrepancies, how he met Trump, what he admires in the candidate’s foreign policy vision and what he would like to achieve in a Trump administration to campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks.” [Washington Post, 3/21/16]

One Of Papadopoulos’s Claimed Accolades Was That He Was Accepted At, But Did Not Attend, The London School Of Economics

Papadopoulos Claims To Have Also Been Accepted At The London School Of Economics (LSE) But “Ultimately Decided To Work In The Policy Arena In Washington D.C.” According to Papadopoulos’ LinkedIn page, “Academically, after completing my MSc from University College London with honors, I was accepted to the London School of Economics for a second MSc in International Political Economy (9% acceptance rate). I ultimately decided to work in the policy arena in Washington D.C. after my studies in London. From March 2011 to September 2015, I worked as a Research Associate at the world renowned think tank, Hudson Institute.” [LinkedIn, accessed 8/17/17]

  • Unlike His Master’s Degree From The University Of London, He Does Not List A London School Of Economics Degree In The “Education” Section Of His LinkedIn Profile. On his LinkedIn page, Papadopoulos lists his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and his master’s from the University of London. He does not list the master’s degree from the London School of Economics that he highlights in his “about me” section. [LinkedIn, accessed 8/17/17]

Before Joining The Trump Campaign, Papadopoulos’ Work Focused On Energy Policy In The Eastern Mediterranean

Papadopoulos Was A London-Based Energy Analyst When The Trump Campaign Decided To Hire Him As A Foreign Policy Adviser. According to the Washington Post, “The rest are remaining low profile. There was no record of employment for Mr. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who helped run the coalition provisional authority in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. He most recently worked for a defense contractor that had no information on his whereabouts. Mr. Papadopoulos, a London-based energy analyst who lists his participation in the 2012 Model United Nations on his résumé, was traveling, and his employer said he was unreachable.” [New York Times, 3/22/16]

Papadopoulos Worked At The Hudson Institute And Has Consulted For Energy Companies In The Caspian Sea And Eastern Mediterranean Regions. According to SNL Gas Week, “Papadopoulos’ longest professional tenure was as a research fellow at the conservative-leaning Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., where his research focused mainly on “the geopolitics and energy security changes of both the Caspian and Eastern Mediterranean and their impact on U.S. strategy.” He also consulted for energy companies in the Eastern Mediterranean and Caspian Sea regions and has written on Israel and Cyprus’ upstream natural gas market structure.” [SNL Gas Week, 4/4/16]

In Announcing His Foreign Policy Team, Trump Called Papadopoulos An “Excellent Guy.” According to an interview with the Washington Post’s editorial board, Trump said, “Well, I hadn’t thought of doing it, but if you want I can give you some of the names… Walid Phares, who you probably know, PhD, adviser to the House of Representatives caucus, and counter-terrorism expert; Carter Page, PhD; George Papadopoulos, he’s an energy and oil consultant, excellent guy; the Honorable Joe Schmitz, [former] inspector general at the Department of Defense; [retired] Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg; and I have quite a few more. But that’s a group of some of the people that we are dealing with. We have many other people in different aspects of what we do, but that’s a representative group.” [Washington Post, 3/21/16]

Papadopouolos Briefly Served as An Adviser To Ben Carson’s Presidential Campaign

December 2015: Ben Carson Appointed Papadopoulos To His 16-Person National Security And Foreign Policy Advisory Committee. According to a press release issued by Carson’s presidential campaign, “Today, Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, announced the members of his National Security and Foreign Policy Advisory Committee. These experts range from former military leaders to scholars to longtime foreign affairs practitioners.” Papadopoulos was one of the sixteen names listed in the release. [Carson for President, 12/8/15]

Papadopoulos’ Former Boss At The Carson Campaign Was Incredulous At Trump’s Decision To Hire Him

Former Ben Carson Campaign Manager Barry Bennett Was Surprised When Trump Hired Papadopoulos, Said, “How In The Hell Did That Happen?” Upon Hearing About His Hiring. According to the Washington Post, “Barry Bennett, who served as Carson’s campaign manager and later as an adviser to Trump, recalled that he was surprised when Trump named Papadopoulos to his team. ‘He was someone who worked for me at the Carson campaign for, like, 15 minutes. And somehow he was on the list,’ Bennett said of his reaction to the Trump roster. ‘I was, like, how in the hell did that happen?’ Trump soon added a few names to the group and held a formal briefing with its members in a conference room at his not-yet-opened hotel in Washington. A photo of that session distributed by Trump on social media — ‘meeting with my national security team,’ Trump wrote — showed the candidate at the head of the table and Sessions at the opposite end.” [Washington Post, 5/25/17]

Before Joining The Carson and Trump Campaigns, Papadopoulos Publicly Wrote About Energy issues Involving Israel, Cyprus, And Greece

Papadopoulos Argued That Israel Should Rely On Greece And Cyprus When Exporting Natural Gas

Papadopoulos Has Published At Least Four Op-Eds On Israeli Media Platforms Arguing That Israel Should Use Its Natural Gas Exports To Establish Closer Relationships With Greece and Cyprus. According to the Washington Post, “Indeed Papadopoulos has not left much of a paper trail.  He has written an oped piece in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz and three articles for Arutz Sheva, an Israeli news site. He has given an interview on another Web site. His points in all of them boil down to this: Israel should use the natural gas it has found in the giant Leviathan field offshore in the eastern Mediterranean to build bridges to Greece and Cyprus – and avoid dealing with Turkey at all costs. Any extra gas could be sent to Egypt, which Papadopoulos said already has liquefied natural gas plants for importing gas.” [Washington Post, 3/21/16]

Papadopoulos: Rising Islamic Extremism Makes Turkey An Unreliable Energy Partner

Papadopoulos Argued That Israeli Energy Policy Should Shun Turkey And Prioritize Cyprus. According to the Washington Post, “Shipping the natural gas to Turkey by pipeline and from there to the rest of Europe might be relatively inexpensive, Papadopoulos has written, but he said, Israel should look elsewhere. The Turkish option, he wrote in March 2014, is ‘bereft of the political realities in the region and does not take into account the potentially devastating impact this option can have on Israel’s strategic relations with EU member Cyprus, and by extension, all of Europe.’  He writes: ‘Regional economic cooperation between Israel and Cyprus should be the guiding principle that anchors Israel economically to Europe.’” [The Washington Post, 3/30/17]

  • Papadopoulos Argued Rising Islamic Extremism In Turkey’s Government Made The Country An Unpredictable Pipeline For Israeli Gas To Europe. According to an op-ed Papadopoulos wrote for the Israeli news site Arutz Sheva, “The recent crisis between Ukraine and Russia belies the notion that ‘peace pipelines’ can be constructed to improve relations between neighbors. At a time of heightened energy vulnerability in Europe, is it wise for both Europe and Israel to depend on Turkey to channel the only autonomous western energy reserves in the entire region to energy hungry Europe while relations between Turkey and Europe and Israel are at an all-time low?  If Turkey’s secular minority and western-oriented opposition were able to retake the country from the iron grip of the Islamists the answer may be yes. However, as Turkey continues to abandon the kemalist enterprise, and eviscerates the remnants of the secular republic modern day Turkey was founded on, Turkey will become as unpredictable a transit route as Russia has been as a supplier to Europe. This is a risk that neither Europe nor Israel can afford. Turkey’s ability to cut Israeli gas to Europe can become a calculated provocation that stokes unrest for Israel and particularly susceptible European countries which are already vulnerable to politically-driven natural gas blackmail by Russia.” [George Papadopoulos – Arutz Sheva, 3/18/14]

  • Papadopoulos Proposed Shipping Israel’s Europe-Bound Natural Gas Via A Facility In Cypress As An Alternative To Turkey. According to an op-ed Papadopoulos wrote for the Israeli news site Arutz Sheva, “Fortunately for Israel, and Europe, there are more politically suitable export options to Europe from Leviathan than the pipeline route to Turkey. Israel and Europe have an opportunity to mitigate the risks listed above by supporting and promoting further energy cooperation between Cyprus and Israel for the construction of the proposed LNG facility at Vassilikos that will have the capacity to accommodate Leviathan’s gas. The construction of this facility can also leverage Cyprus’ strong ties with Lebanon to help facilitate a binding resolution to the long lasting maritime dispute between Israel and Lebanon by also inviting Lebanon to export its gas to this facility. This will virtually transform the eastern Mediterranean into an integrated energy zone.” [Arutz Sheva, 3/18/14]

As A Researcher At The Hudson Institute, Papadopoulos Argued Israel Should Shun Turkey In Efforts To Boost Its Natural Gas Exports. According to the Jerusalem Post, “George Papadopoulos, a researcher at the Hudson Institute in Washington, told the Post that he did not see a precedent for building ‘peace pipelines’ to improve relations, referring to Israel’s efforts to export natural gas reserves to Europe via a pipeline, possibly traversing Turkey. Energy deals are usually the effect of good neighborly relations, not the cause, he said, adding that constructing the pipeline without first ensuring stable relations was ‘a risk that neither Europe nor Israel can afford.’ ‘If Turkey’s secular minority and Western-oriented opposition were able to retake the country from the iron grip of the Islamists, the answer may be yes,’ Papadopoulos argued.” [Jerusalem Post, 8/13/2015]

Papadopoulos Expressed Concern That Turkey Could “Sabotage” Cypress’ Natural Gas Development. According to an op-ed Papadopoulos wrote for the Israeli news site Arutz Sheva, “As Cyprus hastens plans along with western oil majors, Noble Energy, Total, and Eni to develop what will become the eastern Mediterranean’s premier Liquefied Natural Gas terminal on its southern coast, Turkey’s posturing around and within the island has become more aggressive. Turkey’s rhetoric has been supported by direct military action. Recent naval incursions within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, as well as its occupying presence on the north of the island, pose direct threats to these efforts which have now become global questions.  […] Turkey will have the power to sabotage the gas development of Cyprus, and potentially both Israel and Lebanon’s. This has supply side energy security implications for U.S. allies in the Pacific and European Union. The U.S.’s top ally in the Pacific, Japan, is forecasted to remain the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumer. Japan will require even larger quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) post 2020, approximately the period in which both the Cypriot and Israeli reserves will come online for export, as it transitions into a nuclear free future.” [George Papadopoulos – Arutz Sheva, 12/2/13]

In April 2016—Shortly After Becoming An Adviser To The Trump Campaign—Papadopoulos Attended An Energy Conference In Israel. According to Arutz Sheva, an Israeli news website, “George Papdopolous, whom Donald Trump has named as one of his foreign policy advisors, will be taking part Monday in the Hadera Energy Conference in Israel, alongside Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Eli Groner, and other senior Israeli officials. Papadopolous, an expert on energy who was born in Greece, has contributed several articles to Arutz Sheva’s op-ed section, will talk about the political aspects of gas finds in the Mediterranean in recent years. He is a strong proponent of economic cooperation between Israel, Greece and Cyprus.” [Arutz Sheva, 4/3/2016]

Jerusalem Post Columnist Called Papadopoulos “Impressive” On Energy Issues

Jerusalem Post Columnist David Weinberg Called Papadopoulos A “Young, Impressive Energy Expert.” In an April 2016 Jerusalem Post column, columnist David Weinberg wrote, “Whether Trump might actually listen to such advisers or be capable of learning from them is an open question. He brags that he is his own top expert on all matters! Nevertheless, it’s worth considering what these advisers are saying. One of them, the young, impressive energy expert George Papadopoulos, was in Israel this week. Over lunch with research associates of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, he expounded on what he says is Trump’s prism on global affairs.” [David Weinberg – Jerusalem Post, 4/7/16]

  • Weinberg Is The Director Of Public Affairs At The Begin-Sadat Center For Strategic Studies. According to his biography on the Jerusalem Post, “David M. Weinberg is director of public affairs at Bar-Ilan University’s Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, and senior advisor to The Tikvah Fund in Israel. He has been senior advisor to deputy prime minister Natan Sharansky, coordinator of the Global Forum Against Anti-Semitism in the Prime Minister’s Office, spokesman of the Herzliya Conference on National Security, and spokesman of Bar-Ilan University.” [Jerusalem Post, accessed 8/17/17]

Weinberg Said Papadopoulos Criticized The Obama Administration For Isolating Russia

In A Jerusalem Post Column, Weinberg Recounted A Meeting With Papadopoulos Where He Described How A Prospective Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy Would Differ From Obama’s. According to a Jerusalem Post column by David Weinberg, “One of them, the young, impressive energy expert George Papadopoulos, was in Israel this week. Over lunch with research associates of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, he expounded on what he says is Trump’s prism on global affairs. It goes like this: Unlike President Barack Obama, who weakly attempted to ‘reset’ relations with Russia and then spent the latter part of his tenure isolating and sanctioning Russia, Donald Trump would “overtly seek” serious engagement with Russia on a range of common concerns.” [David Weinberg – Jerusalem Post, 4/7/16]

Weinberg Said That Papadopoulos Spoke Favorably Of Russia

According To Weinberg, Papadopoulos Said Trump Saw Putin As A Potential Ally In The Middle East. According to a Jerusalem Post column by David Weinberg, “ Trump, says Papadopoulos, sees Russian President Vladimir Putin as a responsible actor and potential partner. After all, he says, Russia had good trade relations with European countries and even with Turkey before recent “incidents” (the Russian invasion of Crimea; the Turkish shooting down of a Russian military jet). Russia has been careful not to cross NATO lines, he adds, and has been respectful of Israeli concerns in Syria and elsewhere, too.” […] In particular, the US and Russia share a strong interest in combating the export of radical and violent Islam from the Middle East; to stop its spread into the Muslim republics on the borders of Russia, into Europe, and into the Baltics. Papadopoulos believes that Trump can ally with Putin in this regard.” [David Weinberg – Jerusalem Post, 4/7/16]

Weinberg Said Papadopoulos Viewed Russia As An Ally Against China

According To Weinberg, Papadopoulos Said The United States Should Work With Russia To Counter China’s Emerging Influence. According to a Jerusalem Post column by David Weinberg, “China, says Papadopoulos, is the emerging superpower threat. The US and Russia must work to counter Chinese expansionism in Asia and the Middle East. The US does not want Russia selling advanced weapon systems to China. Therefore, a policy of isolating Russia is ‘not sustainable.’” [David Weinberg – Jerusalem Post, 4/7/16]

Weinberg: Papadopoulos Said Trump Would Enact Pro-Israel Foreign Policy

According To Weinberg, Papadopoulos Said A Prospective Trump Administration Would View The “Muslim Brotherhood” In A More Hostile Light Than President Obama. According to a Jerusalem Post column by David Weinberg, “Papadopoulos says that Trump certainly wouldn’t view the Muslim Brotherhood regime in Turkey, or the Shiite revolutionary regime in Iran, as stabilizing forces. In contradistinction to Obama, a Trump administration would view the Sisi government in Egypt as a ‘linchpin’ of Middle East security, with no wistful reminiscing for the Brotherhood government of Morsi. And Trump would take a more positive approach to the Kurds, in recognition of the YPG’s lead role in combating ISIS and building regional stability.” [David Weinberg – Jerusalem Post, 4/7/16]

During His Meeting With Weinberg, Papadopoulos Tried To Assuage Concerns After Trump Said Israel Needed To “Pay” For Its Aid From The U.S.” According to a Jerusalem Post column by David Weinberg, “Papadopoulos refers to Trump’s prepared speech on Mideast policy to the recent AIPAC policy conference as evidence that, as Trump emerges atop the Republican field, the candidate is capable and willing to shoot less from the hip, and offer a more considered articulation of views on foreign policy matters. He was at pains to dismiss Trump’s “offthe- cuff” remark about Israel needing to “pay” for its aid from the US. “Donald Trump is absolutely committed to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge as a cornerstone of American policy and US-Israel relations,” Papadopoulos insists. ‘Israel needs and deserves this.’ ‘Israel needs to be strong,’ says Papadopoulos, ‘and America needs to be strong.’” [David Weinberg – Jerusalem Post, 4/7/16]

Papadopoulos Argued For Increased Economic And Military Ties With Cyprus To Weaken Turkey

Papadopoulos Argued The United States Should Station Warships In Crete And That Cyprus Should Join NATO. According to the Washington Post, “Papadopoulos, who bears the same name as the Greek colonel who led a 1967 coup, has also written the United States should station a fleet of warships in Crete and that Cyprus should join NATO.” [The Washington Post, 3/30/17]

Papadopoulos Has Been A Strong Proponent Of Economic Cooperation Between Israel, Greece, And Cyprus. According to the Israeli news site Arutz Sheva, “George Papadopoulos, whom Donald Trump has named as one of his foreign policy advisors, will be taking part Monday in the Hadera Energy Conference in Israel, alongside Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Eli Groner, and other senior Israeli officials. Papadopoulos, an expert on energy who was born in Greece, has contributed several articles to Arutz Sheva’s op-ed section, will talk about the political aspects of gas finds in the Mediterranean in recent years. He is a strong proponent of economic cooperation between Israel, Greece and Cyprus.” [Arutz Sheva, 4/3/16]

Papadopoulos Argued The U.S. Should Play An Active Role In Strengthening Ties Between Israel, Greece, And Cyprus. According to an op-ed Papadopoulos wrote for the Israeli news site Arutz Sheva, “The U.S. should not only encourage the strengthening relationship between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, but become the principle actor driving the relationship forward. Given that the U.S. already has strong and strategic relations with the three countries, it would behoove U.S. statesmen to seek a greater U.S. principal role that advances and upgrades the tripartite foundation that Greece, Israel, and Cyprus have established. A start would be to upgrade in both scope and capabilities the annual “Noble Dina” naval exercise the U.S. Sixth Fleet holds with both the Greek and Israeli navies, and join the Israeli and Greek forces in special ops training, and long-distance aerial drills spanning Souda Bay, Crete to Haifa. Discussions with the Cypriot military establishment to host U.S. jets for trilateral air exercises with Greek and Israeli pilots would also show a mantle of force and deterrence.” [George Papadopoulos – Arutz Sheva, 1/29/14]

Papadopoulos Argued The U.S. Should Station Ships In Crete To Counter Turkish Aggression Against Cyprus. According to an op-ed Papadopoulos wrote for the Israeli news site Arutz Sheva, “The U.S. should station a fleet of U.S. Littoral Combat Ships at the NATO installation of Souda Bay Crete on Greece. The base can be the linchpin of U.S. naval force projection in the entire eastern Mediterranean, and assure the safe transshipment of energy from the eastern Mediterranean to global markets. The commercial and political interest from Washington as a result of the stars and stripes flown on the platform of Noble Energy’s rigs operating south of Cyprus can also facilitate a military relationship with the U.S. Cyprus desperately needs.” [George Papadopoulos – Arutz Sheva, 12/2/13]

During His Tenure At the Hudson Institute, Papadopoulos Wrote op-eds that Depicted an emergent Russia in the Middle East

In An Op-Ed For An Israeli News Site, Papadopoulos Argued Obama-Era Foreign Policy Blunders Had Emboldened Russia To Become An Influential Power Broker In The Middle East. According to an op-ed that Papadopoulos wrote for the Israeli news site Arutz Sheva, “As the Obama administration dithered between attacking Syria for its inhumane chemical attack, Russia’s last minute negotiated deal to remove chemical stockpiles from Syria without an attack going forward, has now allowed Russia to achieve its desired objective of becoming essential to all seemingly intractable conflicts in the eastern Mediterranean from Tehran to Cairo. As Russia’s leverage has increased in both Egypt and Syria, Russia has politically outmaneuvered the U.S. once again by sealing an interim agreement for Iran’s nuclear program, paralyzing Israel from even considering an attack on Iran, fearing a fall out from Russia, and its newly formed alliances in Syria and Egypt.” [George Papadopoulos – Arutz Sheva, 1/29/14]

Papadopoulos Argued That Egypt And Syria Viewed Russia As A More Reliable Ally Against “Uncontrollable Jihadist Forces.” According to an op-ed that Papadopoulos wrote for the Israeli news site Arutz Sheva, “Both U.S. allies and foes have shaped their behavior around the expectations that will emerge if the U.S. does not return as a stabilizing presence.  Unfortunately for the U.S., for littoral countries such as Syria, and Egypt, it is recognized that the Russian bear is the lesser of the evils between it and the uncontrollable jihadist forces in the region that Turkey unleashed when it comes to safeguarding their own national interests. Israel and Greece’s robust military relations have redrawn the political map of the region. The U.S. would be wise to shift its policies, and resources, towards improving relations at all levels with its stalwart allies in the region, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, to contain the newly emergent Russian fleet, and malignant jihadist forces operating around Israel’s borders.” [George Papadopoulos – Arutz Sheva, 1/29/14]

 

Papadopoulos Tried To Set Up Meetings Between Trump and Putin

Papadopoulos Tried To Set Up Meetings Between Trump and Putin But Was Rebuffed By Other Advisers

March 2016: Papadopoulos Sent An Email To Trump Campaign Officials With The Subject Line, “Meeting With Russian Leadership – Including Putin.” According to the Washington Post, “Three days after Donald Trump named his campaign foreign policy team in March 2016, the youngest of the new advisers sent an email to seven campaign officials with the subject line: “Meeting with Russian Leadership – Including Putin.” The adviser, George Papadopoulos, offered to set up ‘a meeting between us and the Russian leadership to discuss US-Russia ties under President Trump,’ telling them his Russian contacts welcomed the opportunity, according to internal campaign emails read to The Washington Post. [Washington Post, 8/14/17]

Other Trump Advisors Responded That A Meeting With Putin Might Violate The Logan Act And Concern NATO Allies. According to the Washington Post, “The proposal sent a ripple of concern through campaign headquarters in Trump Tower. Campaign co-chairman Sam Clovis wrote that he thought NATO allies should be consulted before any plans were made. Another Trump adviser, retired Navy Rear Adm. Charles Kubic, cited legal concerns, including a possible violation of U.S. sanctions against Russia and of the Logan Act, which prohibits U.S. citizens from unauthorized negotiation with foreign governments.” [Washington Post, 8/14/17]

Despite The Concerns Of Other Advisers, Papadopoulos Repeatedly Tried To Convince Them To Let Trump Meet With Russian Officials. According to the Washington Post, “But Papadopoulos, a campaign volunteer with scant foreign policy experience, persisted. Between March and September, the self-described energy consultant sent at least a half-dozen requests for Trump, as he turned from primary candidate to party nominee, or for members of his team to meet with Russian officials. Among those to express concern about the effort was then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who rejected in May 2016 a proposal from Papadopoulos for Trump to do so.” [Washington Post, 8/14/17]

According To Emails Obtained By The Washington Post, Then-Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort Rebuffed Papadopoulos’ Requests. According to the Washington Post, “…The new emails reveal that Manafort had rejected a request from Papadopoulos just the previous month to set up a meeting between Trump and Russian officials. [Washington Post, 8/14/17]

CIA Russia Expert Said Russia Was Probably Targeting Papadopoulos As A Point Of Entry To Trump Campaign

Former CIA Russia Expert Steven Hall Said Russia Was Probably Targeting Papadopoulos, Other Junior Aides As Entry Points To The Trump Campaign. According to the Washington Post, “To experts in Russian intelligence gathering, the Papadopoulos chain offers further evidence that Russians were looking for entry points and playing upon connections with lower-level aides to penetrate the 2016 campaign. Former CIA director John Brennan in May told the House Intelligence Committee that he had seen worrisome evidence of ‘contacts and interactions’ between Russian officials and the Trump campaign, although he offered no specifics. Steven L. Hall, who retired from the CIA in 2015 after 30 years of managing the agency’s Russia operations, said when told by The Post about the emails: ‘The bottom line is that there’s no doubt in my mind that the Russian government was casting a wide net when they were looking at the American election. I think they were doing very basic intelligence work: Who’s out there? Who’s willing to play ball? And how can we use them?’” [Washington Post, 8/14/17]

However, Manafort, Kushner, And Donald Trump Jr. Attended a meeting with a Russian Delegation Three Months after Papadopoulos’ first email went out

Manafort, Jared Kushner, And Donald Trump Jr., However, Attended A Meeting With A Delegation Led By A Russian Lawyer, Which Took Place Three Months After Papadopoulos’ First Email. “Three months after Papadopoulos raised the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the president’s son Donald Trump Jr. and son-in-law Jared Kushner met with a delegation led by a Russian lawyer offering to provide damaging information on Clinton. Manafort attended that Trump Tower session in June 2016, a meeting now under scrutiny in the special counsel’s collusion inquiry.” [Washington Post, 8/14/17]

Washington Post Reporter Eli Stokols Said Papadopoulos’ Emails Need To Be Viewed “In The Larger Context Of The Meeting That Did Take Place Between Manafort And The Others With The Russian Attorney…” During an interview with Lawrence O’Donnell of MSNBC, Washington Post reporter Eli Stokols said, “Right, I mean sort of audacious. And this is a name, Papadopoulos, that we haven`t really heard before. By all accounts a very low level staffer. What`s interesting here is, one, that the campaign seemed disinterested. And that there are some on this campaign that raised alarms about what this kid was trying to do. But you have to view this in the larger context of the meeting that did take place between Manafort and the others with the Russian attorney, and others, the Agalarov`s. And also, you know, you have to step back from all of this and look back at this campaign. This kid, whether he was being used by the Russians or not, this was a campaign that was sort of made up as it went along. It was very informal, kind of ad hoc. And there were opportunities for people who really didn`t have much pedigree in politics or anything else. If they were loyal or appeared loyal, there was often a spot for them inside the campaign.” [The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC, 8/14/17]

Papadopoulos was Allegedly in touch with Sergei Millian, A Belarussian-American Businessman At The Center Of The Fusion GPS Dossier

Christopher Steele—The British Ex-Spy Who Compiled A Dossier On Trump For Fusion GPS—Sourced Much Of His Information From Belarussian-American Businessman Sergei Millian. According to The Washington Post, “In June, a Belarusian-American businessman who goes by the name Sergei Millian shared some tantalising claims about Donald Trump. Trump had a long-standing relationship with Russian officials, Millian told an associate, and those officials were now feeding Trump damaging information about his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. Millian said that the information provided to Trump had been ‘very helpful.’ Unbeknownst to Millian, however, his conversation was not confidential. His associate passed on what he had heard to a former British intelligence officer who had been hired by Trump’s political opponents to gather information about the Republican’s ties to Russia. The allegations by Millian – whose role was first reported by the   Wall Street Journal and has been confirmed by  The Washington Post – were central to the dossier compiled by the former spy, Christopher Steele.” [The Washington Post, 3/30/17]

  • Fusion GPS Was An Opposition Research Firm That Paid Steele To Collect Intelligence On Trump’s Ties To Russia. According to the Washington Post, “When Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) gavels in the hearing, he will attempt to focus on its stated subject, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and Fusion GPS, the opposition research firm that paid former MI6 spy Christopher Steele to collect intelligence on the Trump campaign’s ties with Russia. The dossier contained numerous allegations about Donald Trump and the campaign, some of them unsubstantiated. The hearing was set up to examine the firm’s separate work on a legal case involving the Magnitsky Act, a law to punish Russian human rights violators.” [Washington Post, 7/25/17]

Neither Papadopoulos Or Milian Responded To Questions From The Washington Post About Their Contact With Each Other. According to the Washington Post, “Papadopoulos did not respond to questions about contacts with Millian. But Papadopoulos said by email that his public comments during the campaign reflected his own opinions and that some of his energy policy views run counter to Russian interests. “No one from the campaign ever directed me to discuss ‘talking points,’ ” he said. In a separate email, he accused The Post of relying on “innuendo” and “unsubstantiated claims by irrelevant sources.” Neither Millian nor a White House spokeswoman responded to questions about Papadopoulos. The person familiar with the contacts, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details.” [The Washington Post, 3/30/17]

Millan Claimed That He Was In Touch With Papadopoulos

Millian Claimed To Have Close Ties To Trump’s Campaign, Including Papadopoulos. According to the Washington Post, “An examination of Millian’s career shows he is a little of both. His case lays bare the challenge facing the FBI as it investigates Russia’s alleged attempts to manipulate the American political system and whether Trump associates participated. It also illustrates why the Trump administration remains unable to shake the Russia story. While some of the unproven claims attributed in the dossier to Millian are bizarre and outlandish, there are also indications that he had contacts with Trump’s circle. Millian told several people that during the campaign and presidential transition he was in touch with George Papadopoulos, a campaign foreign policy adviser, according to a person familiar with the matter.” [The Washington Post, 3/30/17]

  • Millian And Papadopoulos Were Facebook Friends. According to The Washington Post, “Millian told several people that during the campaign and presidential transition he was in touch with George Papadopoulos, a campaign foreign policy adviser, according to a person familiar with the matter. Millian is among Papadopoulos’s nearly 240 Facebook friends. [The Washington Post, 3/30/17]

Millian Boasted That He Had Ties To The Trump Organization And Michael Cohen. According to The Washington Post, “Millian, however, promoted ties he claimed to hold with Trump’s company. A 2009 newsletter posted to the website of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce reported that the group had ‘signed formal agreements’ with the Trump organization and Pérez’s company ‘to jointly service the Russian clients’ commercial, residential and industrial real estate needs.’ In the interview with RIA Novosti, Millian boasted that when he was in New York, Trump introduced him to his “right-hand man,” Michael Cohen, a longtime Trump adviser — a claim that Cohen has denied.” [The Washington Post, 3/30/17]

 

Papadopoulos Supported Détente With Russia

Papadopoulos: Tensions With Russia Had Increased Under Obama And Trump Would “Restore The Trust” Between The Two Countries

During The Presidential Campaign, Papadopoulos Said It Was In The U.S.’s Interest To “Deescalate Hostilities” With Russia. In an interview with Interfax, Papdopoulos said, “Mr. Trump has been open about his willingness to usher in a new chapter in U.S.-Russia ties. However, this depends on Russia acting as a responsible stake holder in the international system. U.S.-Russian relations have reached a nadir under the Obama administration and the Clinton led state department when she was in office. Based on the low level of trust between both countries currently, and a military conflict seemingly on the horizon over the Baltics, Ukraine and even in Syria, it is in the interest of the U.S, NATO and Russia to deescalate hostilities immediately and work together towards combating common threats. This threat is principally Islamism and its violent expression, jihadism that has reverberated throughout North Africa and the Middle East post ‘Arab Spring‘.” [Interfax, 9/30/16]

Papadopoulos Said Trump Would “Restore The Trust” That The Obama Administration Had Eroded With Russia. Papadopolous said in an interview with Interfax, “The difference is that the Obama administration was declaring it without taking concrete actions. There was no practical cooperation, and their words differed from their actions. That is why Russia does not believe in American promises, and the atmosphere of mutual confidence has been lost. Trump, if elected president, will restore the trust.” [Interfax, 9/30/16]

Papadopoulos Saw Russia As A Strategic Partner To Counter Threats To U.S.

Papadopoulos Said The U.S. And Russia Should Cooperate To Defeat ISIS. In an interview with Interfax, Papadopolous said, “Compartmentalizing the relationship would be a smart beginning. This means cooperating in Syria to defeat ISIS, stabilize the greater Levant. This should lead to political goodwill over East Ukraine and ensuring there is a mutual understanding that NATO’s borders will not be invaded. Capabilities are at the heart of strategy, and the two countries working together to combat radical Islam, along with other countries in the region, principally Egypt, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Greece, will unify the EU, NATO, U.S. and Russia around a common threat which is in the interest of international peace and security. It demonstrates what goals I hope the U.S. will strive for and the principles we will live by when engaging the world and redefining our position in global affairs.” [Interfax, 9/30/16]

Papadopoulos Said Russia Could Help Mitigate Serious International Threats, Including Iran And China. During an interview with Interfax, Papadopoulos said, “If NATO is to expand, all new members must spend the required 2% of GDP on defense expenditure. Currently only five members do. Without a common mission that all countries subscribe to, or the pledge that all members spend 2% of GDP on defense, the alliance in its current form is likely not sustainable. The three largest threats NATO will have to combat over the next couple decades will be a rising and belligerent China, radical Islam and a nuclear Iran. Russia can be helpful in mitigating the dangerous consequences of these three forces colliding simultaneously.” [Interfax, 9/30/16]

Papadopoulos Opposed Russian Sanctions

Papadopoulos: “Sanctions Have Done Little More Than To Turn Russia Towards China…” During an interview with Interfax, Papadopoulos said, “Sanctions have done little more than to turn Russia towards China as a primary market for Russian goods, services and energy. It is not in the interest of the West to align China and Russia in a geopolitical alliance that can have unpredictable consequences for U.S. interests in the South China Sea, Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. I believe both the U.S. and Russia should consider China as an emerging superpower threat that will have to be dealt with over the next fifty years.” [Interfax, 9/30/16]

Papadopoulos Expressed Skepticism Of NATO

Papadopoulos Said NATO Is Not Sustainable In Its Current Form, Argued New Members Must Spend The Required 2% Of GDP On Defense. Papadopoulos said, “If NATO is to expand, all new members must spend the required 2% of GDP on defense expenditure. Currently only five members do. Without a common mission that all countries subscribe to, or the pledge that all members spend 2% of GDP on defense, the alliance in its current form is likely not sustainable. The three largest threats NATO will have to combat over the next couple decades will be a rising and belligerent China, radical Islam and a nuclear Iran. Russia can be helpful in mitigating the dangerous consequences of these three forces colliding simultaneously.” [Interfax, 9/30/16]

  • When Pressed, Papadopoulos Would Not Answer A Question About Whether Or Not He Supports Expanding NATO. During an interview with Interfax, Papadopoulos was asked, “You did not answer the question on whether you would support a possible NATO extension or not. Russia has repeatedly expressed its concerns about NATO’s military infrastructure moving toward Russia’s borders…” He replied, “We should look at the circumstances. If mutual confidence between our countries exists, then we will better understand the expectations of each other, and we can more accurately define the ‘red lines‘ which cannot be crossed. However, what is happening today between Russia and NATO, and between Russia and the West in general, creates an extremely dangerous and unstable situation in which every incident could become fatal.” [Interfax, 9/30/16]

 

Papadopoulos Has Connections To The U.K., Where He Has Lived And Worked

In November 2016, Papadopoulos Was Reportedly Based In London, Said The Campaign Had “Very Productive Talks” With The U.K.’s Foreign Office. According to The Independent, “Almost the entire British political establishment is holding its breath and hoping that Hillary Clinton manages to convert her slender opinion poll lead into real votes tomorrow. The dramatic rise of Donald Trump from maverick outsider into deadly serious contender for the White House has shaken Whitehall out of its complacent assumption that Ms Clinton will be the first female US President. [..] Sir Christopher Meyer, former UK ambassador to Washington, said: ‘Trump is more of a challenge because he is waging an unconventional campaign – he doesn’t have the same coterie of close advisers.’ But there has been progress and one of the Republican candidate’s foreign advisers, George Papadopoulos, who is based in London, has spoken of ‘very productive talks’ with the Foreign Office.” [The Independent, 11/7/2016]

Papadopoulos Had Served As A Director At The London Centre Of International Law Practice. According to the Los Angeles Times, “Papadopoulos served as a policy and economic advisor to Ben Carson, who notably struggled with domestic and foreign policy issues during his failed presidential run. Before that Papadopoulos was a consultant at a London-based oil and gas company. He’s a director at the London Centre of International Law Practice. In its mission statement, the group views global issues with a “promotion of peace,” which falls into accord with Trump’s noninterventionist approach. He graduated from DePaul University in 2009.” [Los Angeles Times, 4/7/16]

  • The London Centre Of International Law Practice Is A U.K. Think Tank Devoted To The Study Of International Law. According to a description of the organization on its Facebook page, “The London Centre of International Law Practice (LCILP) is a unique, research-based institution, located in the heart of London. It is comprised of professional international law practitioners, dedicated to the advancement of global legal knowledge and the practice of international law. LCILP offers specialised training programmes, policy advice, technical assistance, including assembling research and publications. We also organise conferences and meetings on pressing international law issues. Our consultants are renowned international practitioners in the public and private sectors across a range of disciplines and expertise. They provide extensive knowledge and experience in international law, international relations, dispute resolution and geopolitics.” [Facebook, accessed 8/17/17]

Papadopoulos Called On Former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron To Apologize To Trump For Blasting His Proposed “Muslim Ban”

May 2016: Papadopoulos Called On Former British Prime Minister David Cameron To Apologize For Describing Trump’s Proposed Muslim Ban “Divisive, Stupid, And Wrong.” According to The Guardian, “David Cameron has no intention of withdrawing his claim that Donald Trump was “divisive, stupid and wrong” to call for a ban on Muslims entering the US, Downing Street has said.  Despite Trump’s likely confirmation as the Republican presidential candidate, a spokesman for Cameron said the prime minister stood by his comments made in December last year. It comes after George Papadopoulos, an adviser to Trump, told the Times on Wednesday that he thought Cameron should reach out with an apology or some sort of retraction. […] Papadopoulos said Cameron’s comments were uncalled-for and it would be wise for the prime minister to ‘reach out in a more positive manner’ to the Republican frontrunner. Asked if Trump would forgive the remarks, he said: ‘I can’t speak directly for him, but it would seem that if Prime Minister Cameron is serious about reaching out, not only to Mr Trump’s advisers but to the man himself, an apology or some sort of retraction should happen. ‘To see Mr Cameron come out as the most vocal opponent was uncalled for. Considering that we believe that the UK-US relationship should be a cornerstone, not just of Nato policy but elsewhere, it would be wise for him to reach out in a more positive manner to Mr Trump.’” [The Guardian, 5/16/16]

 

Papadopoulos Worked On Various Other Issues For The Campaign, Including Immigration And Syria

Papadopoulos Said The U.S. Should Retaliate Against Bashar Al Assad If He Used Chemical Weapons. According to U.S. News & World Report, “George Papadopoulos, a foreign policy adviser to Trump during the campaign, says that if Assad is proven guilty of the chemical attack, there is no other recourse but retaliation from the U.S. and its allies that stops short of complete regime change.” [U.S. News & World Report, 4/7/17]

Papadopoulos Advised Trump On His Campaign Promise To Fund A “Massive Deportation Force.” According to the Boston Globe, “President Trump has set in motion one of his most controversial campaign promises, calling on Congress to fund a “massive deportation force” by tripling the number of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

The president made the announcement in a nationally televised address last night from the Old Post Office building in Washington, D.C., now a Trump International Hotel. In a surprise move after the speech, Trump invited Attorney General Chris Christie to stand right next to him at the podium to field questions. ‘#no_side_eye for Christie this time,’ tweeted Fox News Channel reporter Megyn Kelly, who was covering the speech from a sports bar near Rockefeller Center because she has been placed on a White House blacklist. Although Trump reiterated his promise to eject some 11.3 million illegal workers on a two-year timetable – ‘so fast that your head will spin’ — he also promised to ‘do it humanely.’ He did not immediately offer de-tails but said he intends to flesh out the policy with special adviser George Papadopoulos, just as soon as the 2009 college grad returns from a preplanned Model UN session in Geneva.” [Boston Glober, 4/10/16]

 

Papadopoulos Worked For The American Hellenic Institute (AHI), A Greek-American Organization That Was Formed After The Turkish Occupation Of Cyprus in 1974

AHI Was A Greek-American Charitable Organization Founded After Turkish Invasion Of Cyprus

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Is A Greek American Organization In Washington, D.C. According to the AHI’s its website, “ From our Hellenic House headquarters, just steps from the White House, AHI’s professional staff works with legislators, the Department of State, the diplomatic corps, and educational institutions to advance the best interests of the U.S. on issues of importance to Greek Americans. Each year, AHI initiates congressional legislation, issues policy statements, and serves as an effective watchdog on issues affecting U.S. relations in Southeastern Europe. Key issues have included ending the illegal occupation of Cyprus, the treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, aggression in the Aegean Sea, and the U.S.’s response to the dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the latter nation’s name.” [American Hellenic Institute, accessed 8/16/17]

  • The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Was Founded After The Turkish Invasion Of Cyprus In 1974, Took Credit For The Subsequent U.S. Arms Embargo Against Turkey. According to the American Hellenic Institute’s website, “ Our mission is as clear today as it was when AHI was founded in 1974: Upholding the rule of law in matters of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in our nation’s dealings with Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. In 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied Cyprus, AHI advocated a profoundly simple response—enforce U.S. law. At the time, the Executive Branch refused to enforce federal laws that prohibited Turkey’s aggressive use of U.S.-supplied arms and equipment. AHI persuaded Congress to take action. The resulting legislation—an unprecedented rule of law U.S. arms embargo against Turkey—proved that the democratic ideals of ancient Greece continue to thrive as long as ordinary citizens remain vigilant, informed, and active. Since then, AHI has become the leading forum for addressing important issues that affect the U.S.’s relationship with Greece, Cyprus, and Southeastern Europe. It is a well-respected lobby, think-tank, business network, and educational foundation that informs and influences leaders, policymakers and citizens alike. We invite you to join and help us fulfill our mission.” [American Hellenic Institute, accessed 8/16/17]

AHI Received Hundreds of Thousands Of Dollars in Charitable Grants To Fund Operations

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Reported Net Assets Of $2,839,035 At The End Of 2014. According to its IRS Form 990 for the 014 calendar year (its most recently filed one), the American Hellenic Institute reported net assets of $2,839,035 in 014. [IRS via The National Center for Charitable Statistics, accessed 8/16/17]

In 2014, The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Received $693,157 In Total Revenue. During the 2014 calendar year, the American Hellenic Institute reported receiving $693,157 in total revenue. [IRS via The National Center for Charitable Statistics, accessed 8/16/17]

  • Grants And Contributions Accounted For $129,476 Of This Total. Of the $693,157 in total revenue that the American Hellenic Institute generated, $129,476 were from grants and contributions. [IRS via The National Center for Charitable Statistics, accessed 8/16/17]

AHI Officials Were Lobbyists Who Advocated For Lifting U.S. Arms Embargo On Cyprus

As Of June 2017, AHI President Nick Larigakis And Peter Milios Were Registered Federal Lobbyists Affiliated With AHI. According to a federal lobbying report dated June 16, 2017, AHI President Nick Larigakis and Peter Milios are registered lobbyists affiliated with the American Hellenic Council. [United States Senate, accessed 8/17/17]

  • Peter Milios Has Been AHI’s Legislative Assistant Since December 2016. According to a press release from AHI, “The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is pleased to announce the hire of Peter Milios as the Institute’s Special Projects Coordinator and Legislative Assistant. [American Hellenic Institute, accessed 8/17/17]

  • Milios Previous Interned For Marco Rubio And The Republican Party Of Florida. “Throughout his collegiate career, Peter gained legislative experience as an intern for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican Party of Florida, and Florida Senator Tom Lee. He also gained legislative experience by serving on the Board of Directors for the Student Government Office of Governmental Affairs, a lobbying arm of the student body to the Florida Legislature. On campus, Peter served as chief of staff to the Student Body President. In this capacity, Peter was the sole undergraduate student appointed to develop a five-year Strategic Plan for Florida State University. Peter also served as the vice president of his fraternity.” American Hellenic Institute, accessed 8/17/17]

AHI President Nick Larigakis Supported An Effort To Lift The U.S. Arms Embargo On Cyprus. According to CyprusMail, “ The US House of Representatives has asked the State Department to submit a report on the defence capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus, in an effort to lift the US embargo of arms to Cyprus, the Cyprus News Agency reported on Wednesday. The President of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Nick Larigakis informed the House President Yiannakis Omirou of the development during a meeting in Nicosia Omirou said during the meeting they discussed t actions and initiatives aiming to promote the interests of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot people in the US, focusing on the “unacceptable” US arms embargo, which has been in place since after the 1974 Turkish invasion.” [CyprusMail, 5/20/15]

Cyrprus Was Known As A Money Laundering Haven For Russian Billionaires

Associated Press: Before Joining The European Union, Cyprus Was Known As A “Haven For Money Laundering By Russian Billionaires.” According to the Associated Press, “The U.S. government investigation of President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, crossed the Atlantic earlier this year to the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, once known as a haven for money laundering by Russian billionaires. […] There is nothing inherently illicit about using multiple companies as Manafort was doing. But it was unclear why he would have been involved with companies in Cyprus, known for its history of money laundering before joining the European Union, with unclear sources of the money flowing in to them and with such secrecy surrounding the firms’ connections to him. With Cyprus’ entry into the European Union in 2004, the island was forced to put in place a host of stringent anti-money laundering regulations to avoid running afoul with the bloc’s own rules and incurring the wrath of other EU members. Cypriot banks, sticking to EU rules, took on heightened importance when Cyprus started using the Euro currency in 2008.” [Associated Press, 3/23/17]

  • Cyprus Joined The European Union In 2004. According to CNN, “Ten new members, eight of them formerly under communist rule, joined the EU at midnight CET (2200 GMT), but celebrations began earlier in countries farther east. The accession unites Eastern and Western Europe, patching rifts left by World War II and the Cold War. The new member states are Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. The additions bring the EU’s population to 450 million, making it the world’s largest trading bloc.” [CNN, 5/1/04]