President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel a planned trip to Poland to deal with a hurricane comes as a sharp blow to Poland’s populist government, which had been counting on the visit for a boost ahead of October elections.
Trump is instead sending Vice President Mike Pence to observances Sunday marking the start of World War II and for meetings with Polish leaders Monday expected to include new military and energy deals. Trump announced late Thursday that it was “very important” to stay home to deal with Hurricane Dorian, which is predicted to make landfall in Florida on Monday.
Poland’s government-run state broadcaster TVP sought to cast the best light on the situation, stressing the severity of the hurricane and that Florida will be a crucial battleground state for Trump in 2020.
A top aide to Polish President Andrzej Duda also said that Trump informed Duda that he plans to reschedule the trip in coming months.
Some political opponents voiced satisfaction the ruling party lost the potential electoral boost only six weeks ahead of Oct. 13 parliamentary elections.
The populist Law and Justice party is far ahead in the polls, riding the wave of a booming economy and popular social spending policies. Still, it will be fighting to hold on to the parliamentary majority that it now holds.
{{/usCountry}}The populist Law and Justice party is far ahead in the polls, riding the wave of a booming economy and popular social spending policies. Still, it will be fighting to hold on to the parliamentary majority that it now holds.
{{/usCountry}}The change of plans also deprives Trump of a chance to bask in an enthusiastic welcome abroad. On his first visit, in 2017, he was met by flag-waving crowds chanting his name — a sharp contrast to protests and “Trump Baby” balloons that have greeted him in London and elsewhere.
It’s the second time Trump has canceled a trip in recent weeks. The president had originally been scheduled to fly from Poland to Copenhagen for his first official trip to Denmark, but canceled after leaders there mocked his desire to purchase Greenland.
(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)