Polish President Andrzej Duda to Meet with Former US President Donald Trump in New York

Polish President Andrzej Duda will meet with former US President Donald Trump for dinner at Trump Tower in New York on Wednesday, according to people familiar with the arrangements. The meeting will take place on the first day of Duda's week-long trip to the US and Canada.

Duda confirmed the meeting to reporters shortly before his flight on Tuesday, but said it was agreed tentatively and "everything will come down to" the final arrangements. The meeting is not on the official schedule, but Polish officials have not ruled it out.

Duda, whose term expires in 2025, was one of Trump's preferred international partners during his presidency, and the two remain in contact. The potential meeting comes as European leaders prepare for the possibility of Trump's return to the White House, with many concerned that another Trump presidency could mean waning US support for Ukraine and NATO.

Both Duda and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have urged US lawmakers to approve $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine, despite their domestic political differences. Tusk said he expects Duda to firmly raise the issue of siding with the West and Europe in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict if he meets with Trump.

Why this matters: The planned meeting is seen as significant given Trump's history of critical comments about NATO and his recent comments to Hungary's leader that he would not give money to help Ukraine fight Russia if he wins the presidency again. It highlights the continued importance of US-Polish relations and the potential impact of US politics on European security and alliances.

The meeting between Duda and Trump comes at a time when the US House plans votes on new aid to Israel and Ukraine, which could end a months-long Republican blockade on a $60 billion package for Kyiv. Tusk also said he believes most Poles understand that a Trump victory would be harmful to the security of Poland, Europe, and the future of NATO.

Key Takeaways

• Polish Pres. Duda to meet former US Pres. Trump in NYC on Wednesday.
• Duda was a preferred partner of Trump, and the two remain in contact.
• European leaders concerned Trump's return could mean less US support for Ukraine and NATO.
• Duda and Polish PM Tusk urge US to approve $60B in military aid to Ukraine.
• Meeting highlights US-Polish relations and potential impact of US politics on European security.