United States President Donald Trump has indicated that the US could increase its military presence in Poland, a key Eastern European ally, as part of a broader effort to bolster security cooperation between the two nations.
During a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House, Trump assured Poland of US support, stating, “We’ll put more there if they want. We’re with Poland all the way, and we’ll help Poland protect itself.”
Nawrocki, a right-wing historian and Trump ally, expressed gratitude for Trump’s commitment to continued cooperation with Poland, emphasizing the importance of their bilateral relationship.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing discussions about European security, particularly in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump expressed frustration over the lack of progress in diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, hinting at possible measures to increase pressure on Russia.
“You’ll see things happen” if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to take steps towards a peace deal, Trump warned. When asked if he had a message for Putin, Trump replied, “I have no message to President Putin. He knows where I stand, and he’ll make a decision one way or the other.”
European allies have called for greater sanctions against Russia and more substantial US support for a Ukrainian “security guarantee.” However, both the US and European allies have been vague about the specifics of their commitments.
Trump also touched on domestic issues, raising the possibility of deploying the National Guard to more US cities, including New Orleans. Local officials have rejected the idea, but Louisiana’s Republican governor might support it.
New Orleans City Council Vice President Helena Moreno criticized the plan, saying, “this is about scare tactics and politicizing public safety.”
A recent court ruling deemed Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles amid protests as illegal. Nevertheless, Trump remains committed to his strategy of deploying troops and federal agents to cities perceived as strongholds of Democratic opposition.
Trump defended a US military strike on a vessel in the Caribbean, which killed at least 11 people, claiming it would deter drug traffickers.
“There was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that,” Trump said. He added that the strike would serve as a warning to others involved in drug trafficking.
Critics argue that the strike was likely illegal and that law enforcement could have intercepted the vessel upon entering US waters. Adam Isacson, a defense analyst, noted that “being suspected of carrying drugs doesn’t carry a death sentence.”
The Trump administration has pushed for a more aggressive approach to combating drug trafficking, which has raised concerns among Latin American leaders about potential violations of sovereignty.