Donald Trump to Meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda in New York
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is set to meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday in New York. The dinner meeting, confirmed by a source familiar with the matter, comes as European leaders brace for the possibility of Trump winning the November election and returning to the White House.
NATO leaders are particularly concerned given Trump’s history of critical comments about the alliance, even after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Poland, a NATO member that shares a border with Ukraine, has been vocal about the need for additional funding to combat Russian aggression, a stance supported by Duda.
Trump, who has previously opposed such funding, hinted at a possible shift last week by suggesting he may support additional funding in the form of a loan. The meeting between Trump and Duda takes place amidst the former president’s criminal hush money trial in New York, limiting his campaign movements.
Meanwhile, Republicans in Washington are embroiled in a debate over a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement has been critical of the Ukraine funding, aligning with the GOP’s softened stance on Russia since Trump’s emergence in U.S. politics.
Trump’s favorable comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin and his controversial remarks about NATO have raised concerns among European allies. Despite the tensions, Trump has also met with other European leaders, including British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
As the meeting between Trump and Duda approaches, the international community watches closely to see how the discussions unfold amidst the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances.