Donald Trump and Polish President Andrzej Duda are both expected to attend an event this Sunday in Pennsylvania, a crucial state in the upcoming presidential election. While a meeting between the two leaders at a Polish-American shrine has not been confirmed, it is a possibility given their previous friendly relations. Pennsylvania has a significant Polish-American community, making their support valuable for both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
During a recent presidential debate, Harris appealed to Polish Americans by highlighting Trump’s perceived threat to Poland and Europe due to his stance against U.S. support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016, but President Joe Biden took the state in 2020. It is not uncommon for world leaders to meet with opposition candidates during election years; Trump also plans to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi.
Duda is set to attend a Roman Catholic Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Pennsylvania, followed by the unveiling of a monument commemorating the anti-communist Solidarity movement. Both Trump and Duda are expected to be present at the same event in Bucks County, but details of a potential meeting or separate interaction have not been disclosed by the Trump campaign.
Malgorzata Paprocka, a representative from Duda’s office, expressed expectation for a meeting between the two leaders, emphasizing the significance of enhancing security and reinforcing Poland’s position in discussions. Despite positive sentiments from Duda towards Trump, his office declined to provide further comments on the matter when reached out to on Wednesday.
Duda, who will also be attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, has previously expressed admiration for Trump. The Polish leader’s close ties with Trump have drawn criticism in Poland, with concerns raised about the impact on relations with the Biden administration. Nevertheless, Duda’s supporters see maintaining good relationships with both sides as crucial, particularly in advocating for continued support to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.
