Poland Preys On Trump’s Vanity

Polish President Andrzej Duda has discovered the Achilles’ heel of President Donald Trump: his vanity and desire to see his Trump name on all things [Sept. 18, courant.com, “Poland’s new tactic for getting a U.S. military base? Pitch it as Fort Trump.”].

How clever of the Polish leader to suggest at a one-on-one meeting with Trump to offer a permanent American military base in Poland and name it “Fort Trump.” What better way for Trump to get his brand — his name — on a military base. This seems odd, because Trump has been outspokenly critical of keeping American troops in other countries.

I can understand that Poland feels insecure about the Russian buildup on its borders, but how does Trump reconcile this with his buddy Russian President Vladimir Putin? If the United States has an even greater presence in Poland, Putin will see this as a sign that America is encroaching upon his control and create more tension in this area.

How would the United States justify this deployment when other countries bordering Russia also ask for an increased presence?

As we all know, Putin has the desire to undermine democracy and will take every opportunity to expand his influence along its borders. Perhaps Trump will begin to market his “Forts” around the world rather than his hotels.

Patricia Karwoski, Farmington