Polish official apologizes to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after offensive remarks by an interpreter, reaffirming Poland’s support for US-Polish relations.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received a public apology from Poland following a controversial incident during his recent meeting with Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The apology came from Dr. Michał Sopiński, rector of the Academy of Justice in Warsaw, who expressed regret over offensive remarks made by Magdalena Fitas-Czuchnowska, the meeting’s official interpreter. Fitas-Czuchnowska’s husband, a journalist for Gazeta Wyborcza, had previously insulted Hegseth online, referring to him as a “fool.” Dr. Sopiński condemned the behavior, emphasizing that it does not reflect the views of Polish citizens, who value the strong relationship with the United States.
Political and Social Implications
The incident sparked debates about professionalism and political biases in Poland’s public sphere. Sopiński criticized Fitas-Czuchnowska’s remarks as “unprofessional” and potentially beneficial to Russian interests, given the geopolitical context. He also expressed concerns about freedom of speech and democracy under the current government, suggesting the ruling coalition holds a skewed view of the Trump administration’s foreign policy efforts. Despite the incident, Sopiński reassured Hegseth of Poland’s commitment to a strong transatlantic partnership and cooperation on European security.