Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Poland’s right-wing president this week, continuing a series of private interactions with leaders from various countries. The meeting is set to take place in New York, where Trump will have dinner with President Andrzej Duda on his day off from court. The reunion between Trump and Duda, who previously proposed naming a military base after Trump, is significant given Duda’s position as a political rival to Joe Biden in Poland.
In addition to the meeting with Duda, Trump has recently engaged with other foreign leaders or their representatives, including a phone call with the king of Bahrain last month. These interactions are seen as routine by some, including former diplomat Richard Haass, as foreign leaders often meet with American opposition leaders. However, the political sensitivities of these meetings are acknowledged, with many countries conducting outreach activities quietly to avoid upsetting the Biden administration.
Some of Trump’s recent interactions with foreign leaders, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have raised concerns about potential influence on foreign policies. Trump’s willingness to engage with these leaders aligns with his goals and political alliances. The upcoming dinner with Duda follows a similar pattern, as both leaders share conservative nationalist views and have clashed with European leaders.
Although some of Trump’s meetings with foreign leaders have raised eyebrows, there is nothing illegal about such interactions. However, concerns about potential influence on foreign policies and alliances remain. Trump’s willingness to engage with foreign leaders who align with his political views suggests a strategy to build relationships that could benefit him if he returns to power. The implications of these interactions on global politics remain to be seen.