NEW YORK: Donald Trump and Polish President Andrzej Duda engaged in diplomatic discussions over dinner in New York on Wednesday, delving into pressing global issues including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The meeting took place at Trump Tower, where Trump, currently on a brief hiatus from legal proceedings related to his hush money trial, hosted Duda.
During the encounter, Trump expressed admiration for Duda’s leadership, referring to their past collaboration during their respective presidential terms. “He’s done a fantastic job and he’s my friend, and we had four great years together,” Trump remarked in a video shared on his Truth Social account, standing beside Duda. Trump hinted at the possibility of another joint term, stating, “We may have to do it again.”
A focal point of their discussions was Duda’s proposal for NATO member countries to increase their defence spending target from two percent of GDP to three percent—a stance Trump has long advocated, criticizing NATO for what he perceives as inadequate financial contributions from member states.
In addition to NATO policy, Trump and Duda addressed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, along with the Middle East crisis involving Israel. The Trump campaign highlighted these discussions, emphasizing the broader pursuit of global peace.
Despite legal obligations, Trump has been actively engaging in diplomatic exchanges reminiscent of presidential diplomacy, engaging with foreign leaders as anticipation grows over the potential for a second Trump presidency. Recent interactions include discussions on NATO and the Ukraine conflict with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, as well as hosting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, last month.
During Trump’s previous tenure in office, Duda and Trump forged a strong alliance, with Poland emphasizing its relationship with the United States over its ties with the European Union, sometimes leading to strained EU relations. Duda even proposed the construction of a “Fort Trump” military base on Polish territory, underscoring the countries’ cooperative stance.
Reflecting on Trump’s reluctance to accept the outcome of the 2020 election, Duda delayed congratulating President Joe Biden on his victory for over a month. This history underscores the complexities and implications of Trump’s continued engagement in global affairs as he navigates legal challenges and political aspirations.
