Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is set to meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda in New York on Wednesday, a meeting that has sparked interest and concern among European leaders. The dinner meeting, confirmed by a source familiar with the matter, comes at a crucial time as NATO countries brace for the possibility of a Trump presidency.
Poland, a NATO member that shares a border with Ukraine, has been vocal about the need for additional funding to combat Russian aggression. Duda, a right-wing populist, has urged the United States to provide support to Ukraine in the face of Russian incursions.
Trump, known for his critical stance on NATO and his praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has raised eyebrows with his shifting position on funding for Ukraine. While he has previously opposed such funding, he recently hinted at supporting it in the form of a loan.
The meeting between Trump and Duda comes amidst a backdrop of internal strife within the Republican Party over foreign aid packages for Ukraine and other allies. Trump’s close ties to Russia and his controversial statements regarding NATO have put him at odds with traditional GOP positions.
As Trump faces a criminal trial in New York, his meeting with Duda is sure to draw attention and speculation about the future of U.S. foreign policy. With European leaders closely watching the outcome of the November election, the meeting could have far-reaching implications for transatlantic relations.