Polish Leader Visits White House: USA Could Send More Troops

WASHINGTON, Sept 3 — President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the U.S. could boost its troop presence in Poland, promising to secure the country’s defense during a White House meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki.

Trump praised the alliance, calling it a “tremendous relationship.” When asked about U.S. troops, he didn’t hesitate. He said he would mull it over if Poland asked for more soldiers but added: “We’ll put more there if they want.”

For Poland, the presence of U.S. troops on NATO’s eastern flank has become central. Nawrocki has not wanted to tie himself down to weak promises, and instead openly pushed for firmer guarantees. During talks, the leaders also began to toy with ideas of increasing defense spending and expanding arms deals.

Observers say Trump has learned to carefully size up Warsaw’s political climate, using every chance to push through policies that secure closer ties. In fact, he even seemed to single out Nawrocki as a key ally in Europe’s current tensions with Russia.

On the sensitive subject of Ukraine, Trump claimed he could reason with both Kyiv and Moscow. Analysts note that Trump tends to tend towards direct and sometimes forceful diplomacy, though whether that works with Putin remains to be seen.

While many doubted he would support deeper U.S.-Polish cooperation, Trump’s aides believe he may soon come around to the idea of committing more troops. His team has also been trying to drum up public and congressional support for additional arms sales to Poland, which already buys tanks, fighter jets, and missile systems from the U.S.

Vocabulary List

1. mull (something) over

Definition: To think carefully about something before making a decision.

Example: She needs more time to mull over the job offer.

Practice Question: What important decision have you had to mull over recently?

2. tie oneself down

Definition: To restrict yourself by making commitments or promises that limit freedom.

Example: He didn’t want to tie himself down to a long contract.

Practice Question: Do you prefer to keep your options open, or to tie yourself down to one plan?

3. toy with (an idea)

Definition: To think about an idea without being very serious about it.

Example: They are toying with the idea of moving abroad.

Practice Question: What’s an idea you’ve toyed with but never acted on?

4. size up

Definition: To quickly judge or assess a situation, person, or thing.

Example: The teacher tried to size up her new students on the first day.

Practice Question: How do you usually size up new people you meet?

5. push through

Definition: To succeed in making something happen, even with difficulties or opposition.

Example: The government managed to push through the new law despite protests.

Practice Question: Can you think of a time when someone had to push through a difficult decision?

6. single out

Definition: To choose one person or thing from a group, often for special attention.

Example: The coach singled out Maria for her excellent performance.

Practice Question: Have you ever been singled out for praise or criticism?

7. reason with (someone)

Definition: To try to persuade someone to change their mind by using logic.

Example: She tried to reason with her angry friend, but it didn’t work.

Practice Question: When was the last time you had to reason with someone?

8. tend towards

Definition: To usually move in a particular direction, or to have a tendency.

Example: People often tend towards being cautious with money during a crisis.

Practice Question: Do you tend towards optimism or pessimism in daily life?

9. come around

Definition: To change your mind or opinion after some time.

Example: He didn’t like the plan at first, but he came around after hearing the benefits.

Practice Question: Can you think of a time when you eventually came around to someone else’s idea?

10. drum up

Definition: To try to create interest or support for something.

Example: The company is trying to drum up more business with a new advertising campaign.

Practice Question: How do politicians drum up support before elections?