Poland’s prime minister has appealed to the U.S. president to think before imposing tariffs on allies and to remember that “cooperation is better than confrontation.”
The comments by Donald Tusk came after he and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on Monday signed a $2 billion military contract with the U.S. related to Poland’s air-defense program.
The agreement, concerning logistical support, will enable Patriot batteries bought from the U.S. to become operational, Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
In a video post on the X platform on Monday, Tusk told Donald Trump and the American people in English that a strong Europe, a strong U.S. and a strong NATO were in the common interest.
Tusk said that “for us Poles, our friendship, our alliance, our mutual loyalty, is not an abstraction.
“Think about it Mr President and dear American friends before you decide to impose tariffs against your closest allies.
“Cooperation is always better than confrontation.”
Tusk stressed that Poland’s defense expenditures, which currently run to almost 5% of GDP, aimed at building Europe’s biggest army in cooperation with the U.S.
He added that America can always count on Poland, and that the whole of Europe was made up of “friends and trusted allies.”
Since taking office in January, Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on trading partners including Mexico, Canada, and China and has said he will also impose them on the European Union, which he accuses of operating an unfair trade policy with the U.S.
In addition to tariffs, he has also rattled European leaders with his policy of detente with Russia. Many in Europe fear that the U.S. is no longer a reliable security partner or NATO member as Trump has suggested working with Moscow on many issues.
The agreement, concerning logistical support, will enable Patriot batteries bought from the U.S. to become operational, Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
In a video post on the X platform on Monday, Tusk told Donald Trump and the American people in English that a strong Europe, a strong U.S. and a strong NATO were in the common interest.
Tusk said that “for us Poles, our friendship, our alliance, our mutual loyalty, is not an abstraction.
“Think about it Mr President and dear American friends before you decide to impose tariffs against your closest allies.
“Cooperation is always better than confrontation.”
Tusk stressed that Poland’s defense expenditures, which currently run to almost 5% of GDP, aimed at building Europe’s biggest army in cooperation with the U.S.
He added that America can always count on Poland, and that the whole of Europe was made up of “friends and trusted allies.”
Trump last Wednesday announced a 25% tariff on all imported passenger cars and vans, drawing criticism from European politicians.Mr. President @realDonaldTrump, cooperation is always better than confrontation. pic.twitter.com/EFtXj51rGC
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) March 31, 2025
Since taking office in January, Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on trading partners including Mexico, Canada, and China and has said he will also impose them on the European Union, which he accuses of operating an unfair trade policy with the U.S.
In addition to tariffs, he has also rattled European leaders with his policy of detente with Russia. Many in Europe fear that the U.S. is no longer a reliable security partner or NATO member as Trump has suggested working with Moscow on many issues.
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