Former President Donald Trump met with Polish President Andrzej Duda in New York on Wednesday, sparking speculation about the potential impact of a second Trump term on Europe. The two leaders discussed various topics, including Ukraine, with Duda expressing admiration for Trump and urging more aid for Kyiv amid Russia’s invasion.
Trump, who praised Duda as a friend and ally, has been meeting with foreign leaders as he gears up for a possible 2024 presidential run. U.S. allies, caught off guard by Trump’s 2016 win, are now eager to build relationships with him to avoid being left behind again.
Despite facing criminal indictments, Trump is locked in a tight race with Democratic President Joe Biden, with polls showing a close contest in November. Foreign leaders, following a precedent of meeting with presidential candidates, are engaging with Trump to strengthen ties.
Trump’s recent meetings with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Argentine President Javier Milei have raised eyebrows, but Biden administration officials have refrained from publicly criticizing these interactions.
Duda, known for his right-wing populist views, described his dinner with Trump as a friendly gathering between allies. Both leaders share a commitment to increasing NATO defense spending, a point of agreement amid their differing approaches to international relations.
As Trump navigates his legal challenges and political ambitions, his meetings with foreign leaders continue to draw attention and speculation about the potential implications for global diplomacy.