Trump to host Polish president, first foreign leader visit in 3 months
President Trump will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda later this month at the White House, marking the first official visit from a foreign leader in over three months during the coronavirus pandemic.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that Duda would visit the White House on June 24, a meeting that is expected to touch on cooperation between the United States and Poland on defense, trade and other issues.
“The visit comes at a critical time for both the United States and Poland, as we reopen our countries after months of battling the coronavirus pandemic,” McEnany said.
“As close partners and NATO allies, the United States and Poland continue to expand our cooperation across a wide range of issues. President Trump and President Duda will discuss further advancing our cooperation on defense, as well as trade, energy and telecommunications security,” the press secretary added.
It is possible that Trump could announce an agreement to boost U.S. troop presence in Poland during the meeting later this month. Meanwhile, Trump this week confirmed plans to cut down the number of U.S. troops in Germany, another NATO ally, by about half, claiming the country was “delinquent” for not meeting spending goals in the alliance.
Duda will be the first foreign leader to meet with Trump since mid-March when he hosted Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar for an Oval Office meeting. The White House was forced to postpone a state visit from the king and queen of Spain scheduled in April due to the novel coronavirus. The administration also planned to host the annual Group of Seven summit this month virtually before Trump said he would delay it until at least September.
The White House said that safety precautions, including temperature checks and social distancing, would be taken during the visit to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the White House complex.
“The President’s physician and White House Operations will work closely to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the President, First Family and the entire White House Complex safe and healthy during the Polish visit,” White House spokesman Judd Deere said in an emailed statement.
“In addition to social distancing, temperature checks and symptom histories, hand sanitizer, and facial coverings, those in close proximity to the president will be tested for COVID-19,” Deere said.
The White House has been testing Trump and Vice President Pence for coronavirus daily as well as testing those who are expected to come in close proximity with them. It also conducts temperature checks for those entering the White House complex.
—Updated at 3:11 p.m.