"The Trump impression has truly passed its sell-by date."
"Yet there is hope for Greg Shapiro: as a comedian, he is capable of far more than just impersonating Trump."
"The Netherlands has a low-key king who wants to be a ‘man of the people.’ While in America we have a president - who’s supposed to be man of the people - and wants to be king."
My mission: to give a PowerPoint parody of the day’s presentations. On a day like this, my job is just revisiting the most memorable moments and adding humor.
In 2026, on 4 July, the USA celebrates 250 years of independence - by bringing back the King. Dutch-American comedian Greg Shapiro says: “what a perfect time for another American Revolution.”
In January I spoke at the HollandBio event, and I was inspired by this new Dutch startup called Qorium that makes lab-grown leather. Why is this such a potential game changer? Fighting Deforestation.
Every year the Netherlands - the tiny NL! - puts 300 million kg textiles into the recycling bins. Only 15% is actually recycled... Not for long? Here are 3 Dutch startups changing the game.
"It is not always an easy balancing act. 'The rule of thumb is to make fun of your own nationality first,' said Greg Shapiro, a Chicago-born comedian who has been living in the Netherlands since 1994, and who performs English-language improv and stand-up for a living."
I may be back to host another NAF gala for 2025. As the US / EU alliance is being torn apart, we need organizations like the Netherland America Foundation more than ever.