Polish leaders clash over former US President Trump’s controversial NATO comments, with Duda defending him and Polko, Tusk criticizing.
Duda Defends Trump’s Remarks
Andrzej Duda, in an interview with RMF FM, addressed Donald Trump’s comments about NATO soldiers in Afghanistan, stating he saw no reason for an apology as Trump didn’t offend anyone.
Duda added that if Trump views this from the perspective of American military engagement and casualties, no NATO army compares to the US.
He acknowledged Trump’s remarks were “unfortunate and awkward” but noted Polish authorities correctly pointed this out.
Trump’s NATO Comments
Recall that in a Fox News interview, Trump expressed uncertainty about NATO’s future necessity, saying, “I’m not sure if the alliance will be, if ever it’s needed.”
He stated, “We never needed them. They’ll say they sent troops to Afghanistan. And they did, but they held back a bit, stayed away from the front lines.”
Polko Criticizes Duda
Former commander of GROM special forces unit Gen. Roman Polko said on TVN24 that Trump’s remarks insulted the honor of Polish soldiers.
Polko bluntly stated that bootlicking has its limits and one shouldn’t curry favor with the world’s largest and most powerful president simply because he holds that position.
The expert believes President Karol Nawrocki, as the highest commander of the armed forces, should request an apology from his US counterpart for Polish soldiers.
Tusk on Presidential Roles
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Donald Tusk again commented on the issue.
He stated that the role of former and current presidents is not to lobby for the interests of other nations, even closest allies.
Tusk addressed Andrzej Duda and Karol Nawrocki, emphasizing they must “stand guard over the nation’s dignity and Poland’s interests.”
