White House confirms payments to Trump’s Peace Council are voluntary, contradicting Polish government claims about a $1 billion fee.
Government Dispute Over Peace Council Fee
In recent weeks, tensions have arisen between the Presidential Palace and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over Donald Trump’s Peace Council and Poland’s potential membership. Karol Nawrocki accused the government of “disinformation” regarding the fee, while the Presidential Chancellery insisted Poland has no obligation to pay any $1 billion.
Foreign Minister Cites Council Statute
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski cited the Council’s statute, which states that the three-year membership exemption would not apply to Member States transferring more than $1 billion in the first year. Earlier figures like Presidential Chancellery head Zbigniew Bogucki and PiS President Jarosław Kaczyński had spoken of the need for such payment.
White House Clarifies Payment Voluntary
The White House addressed the issue in a short statement, confirming that “all payments to the Peace Council are voluntary” and that “participation in a Council meeting does not involve any financial obligations.” This directly contradicts the assertions of a mandatory payment.
Poland to Attend as Observer
Poland will participate in Thursday’s inaugural Peace Council meeting in Washington as an observer, represented by Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau. The Presidential Chancellery has requested “thesis-information material” from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Council.
Poland Won’t Join Council Work
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Poland will not join Trump’s Peace Council under current circumstances, citing doubts about its operational rules and format. However, he emphasized that relations with the US remain a priority for Poland.