Pennsylvania’s Polish Americans lean toward Donald Trump despite Ukraine war
Kamala Harris' mention of a conflict that's 5,000 miles away doesn't seem to resonate well in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania.
On October 5, 2024, a mural depicting Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for president and former U.S. President, was spotted on the side of a bus in Butler, Pennsylvania. | Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
October 15, 2024, 4:00 AM Central European Time
DUPONT, Pennsylvania — Even after living in America for many generations, the Polish community in Pennsylvania continues to celebrate their heritage by crafting traditional Polish liqueurs during Christmas and preparing Polish baskets for Easter. They also enjoy cooking dishes like kiełbasa and sauerkraut, and often use Polish nicknames when addressing one another.
The volunteer board members of the Polish American Citizens Club in Dupont, a small town of 3,000 residents, unanimously agree on the significance of maintaining their cultural heritage from their homeland.
“I would identify as Polish if someone asked me, ‘What are you?’” Martin Kuna, 62, remarked after a meeting in the spacious basement of the clubhouse, located beneath the bar. “Even though I’m American, I would still say I’m Polish.”
It’s not surprising that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is connecting with Polish Americans by tapping into their affection for their heritage. She is working hard to win over every vote in this important swing state as the tightly contested presidential election approaches on November 5.
During her debate with Republican contender Donald Trump in September, she directly addressed the "800,000 Polish Americans living in Pennsylvania." She accused Trump of potentially betraying Ukraine to the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, warning that Poland could be the next target for Moscow. Given that the Democrats won Pennsylvania by a mere 80,000 votes in 2020, her appeal to Polish national pride was strategically aimed at boosting her electoral chances.
It's unclear if Harris' strategy will be effective. According to conversations with Polish Americans that POLITICO engaged with in various Pennsylvania communities, the situation appears more intricate and layered. Referring to a conflict happening 5,000 miles away didn't seem like a strong point in countering Trump’s perspective.
Trump is also aiming to win over Polish voters in key states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. He claims he has a strong connection with Polish people and nostalgically recalls the enthusiastic welcome he received in Warsaw back in 2017.
Trump expressed his desire to gain the support of Polish American voters, similar to his success in 2016. He believes that his focus on Christian values distinguishes him from his opponent, whom he labeled as "Marxist." He positioned himself as the conservative choice who would safeguard Poland by negotiating a peace agreement with its historical adversary, Russia.
At the Polish American Citizens Club in Dupont, it became evident that an American identity would take precedence over Polish identity when it came to the upcoming elections. The primary concerns for attendees revolved around the economic and social divides affecting the country as a whole.
"In everything we do in life, the American flag stands above all," stated John Kuna, 58, who is Martin's brother and a member of the board. He stood up to reveal the back of his club T-shirt, which features both the U.S. and Polish flags.
The Polish community in Pennsylvania has roots in immigrants who came over at the beginning of the 20th century to find jobs in mining and manufacturing. However, as these industries began to decline in the 1950s and economic difficulties followed, there was a notable change in political beliefs among blue-collar workers, many of whom had traditionally supported the Democratic Party.
Previously tight-knit Polish communities are now dispersed, and as each generation integrates more, the shared Polish American perspective is becoming less defined. While a significant number of Polish voters supported Trump in 2016, research indicates that opinions shifted against him by 2020.
It appears that Harris' claims about the Russian danger to Poland may not deliver the convincing impact she’s anticipating.
"We observe it from a distance, but it's important to remember that it's not happening right in front of us," said an unnamed board member regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Instead, what they see is life in America. In the wooden bar on the upper floor, TVs are mounted along the walls, surrounding the round countertop, broadcasting American news, sports, and classic sitcom reruns. There are bright neon signs promoting American light beers and a notice on the wall announcing the upcoming "Taco Night."
On one wall, two Dupont Coal Crackers baseball jerseys are displayed in a frame mounted high up. A corner cabinet showcases shiny trophies from local sports teams that the club has supported. Bright light spills into the dimly lit bar from the kitchen, where a large bag of pancake mix rests atop the refrigerator.
Although the club does not endorse any political stance, board members noted that many Polish people are more worried about the economic struggles faced by Americans than the war happening 5,000 miles away in Ukraine. This economic hardship, according to many Trump supporters, is largely attributed to Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, especially due to the financial aid being sent to a conflict that now seems stuck in a deadlock.
"Everyone simply wants to go to their job, earn a living, return home, and spend time with their loved ones. That's all there is to it," remarked John Kuna. "Yet, it feels like the last three and a half years have been filled with nothing but chaos."
“We're sending billions of dollars to Ukraine,” he remarked. “What about prioritizing our own citizens?”
Although the Democrats were optimistic that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Pennsylvania would enhance their chances, there were indications that it could have had the opposite effect.
While visiting the U.S. in September to gather backing for Ukraine, Zelenskyy took a moment to write messages of thanks on American bombs produced at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania, close to Dupont. On one missile, he wrote "Glory to Ukraine," with Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro grinning in the background, eager to take his turn with the pen.
Mark Kowalczyk, a 49-year-old board member of the Polish American Citizens Club, expressed his concerns, stating, "This angered many local people. You're essentially endorsing weapons that could end up harming innocent individuals, whether they are in Russia or Ukraine. There are innocent lives at stake on both sides."
The history of conflict has undoubtedly shaped the Polish American community. In the areas surrounding Lackawanna County, you'll find banners honoring local military personnel proudly displayed along the streets. Many of these names have Central European roots. Among them are Michael H. Urbanowicz, a World War II veteran, Joseph Guziewicz Sr., who served in the U.S. Air Force, and William A. Zielenski, who participated in the Korean War.
Certain Polish Americans believe that the main focus should be on bringing an end to the war in Ukraine and the violence that comes with it. Among these individuals, some supporters of Trump suggest that reaching an agreement, even if it involves giving up some Ukrainian territory, is the quickest way to halt the conflict.
"Some members of this group are firm supporters of Trump because we believe it's important to bring this conflict to a close," John Kuna mentioned at the Dupont club, noting that joining NATO would help ensure Poland's security.
Trump consistently emphasizes this aspect of his campaign, presenting himself as the leader capable of pressuring European nations to boost their defense budgets. In a recent interview with the right-leaning TV channel Republika in Poland, he said, “The war poses a danger to Poland because, as the saying goes, ‘You’re next.’ We can't allow that to happen. There wouldn't even be a 'next' if I were in office.” He also added, “No president has accomplished more for the Polish people than I have.”
In Scranton, Prime Bishop Anthony Mikovsky of the Polish National Catholic Church acknowledged the challenging situation faced by Polish people. They want to support their Ukrainian friends in their fight against the Kremlin, but they are also dealing with increasing food and fuel costs at home.
"They often claim that politics is fundamentally local and revolves around economic concerns," he remarked while sitting in his office, his dog collar unbuttoned and a large cross on a gold chain peeking out from his shirt pocket. "I understand that perspective, as it relates directly to what people discuss at home. In contrast, many other issues tend to be more distant or abstract."
Mikovsky lifted his hands towards the ceiling and moved them up and down, similar to a scale, to show the balancing act of different priorities facing Polonia—referring to the Polish descendants of immigrants. “I find it hard to determine which side comes out on top,” he remarked.
Freedom And Rising Food Prices
Emil Osif, 63, who manages volunteers at the Pulaski Club located in a calm neighborhood of Hazle Township, believes that financial concerns are the main focus in the upcoming election.
Someone put up a Trump banner outside, and Osif doesn't see any reason to take it down. He's planning to vote for the Republican candidate.
The club, located about an hour southwest of Scranton, is experiencing financial difficulties due to locals being hesitant to spend. Although a beer costs only $2—much less than at typical bars—it’s still a challenge to attract customers with their other expenses being so considerable.
"I identify as Polish, or Polish American—whichever term you prefer," Osif, a fourth-generation Pole, mentioned. "But honestly, it doesn't hold much significance to me at the moment," he added with a smirk as his mustache twitched, "unless I'm chatting with someone from Ireland."
It’s not surprising that the conflict in Europe isn’t high on his agenda, given his weak connection to Poland. He mentioned, “I was born here” in the U.S., and pointed out that his remaining family in Poland is quite far removed. He emphasized, “We have plenty of issues to focus on,” adding, “I’d prefer to see improvements here instead of sending our money overseas.”
Even though discussing politics is prohibited in the Pulaski Club, Osif believes that many of the Poles he knows would share his views. However, he is uncertain if even half of the current members have Polish roots anymore. The town has seen a significant influx of Hispanic immigrants, which is another factor leading some residents to choose Trump as their candidate.
"We enjoy drinks and indulge in gambling," he mentioned when discussing what unites the members of the Pulaski Club, apart from their Polish heritage. Above the pool table, a glass mosaic lampshade features a red Polish eagle, comprised of 100 individual pieces on just one side.
The club also honors traditional Polish holidays. Osif was getting the recently updated event space ready — funded with cash from one of the bar's gambling machines — for Pulaski Day. This holiday is named after an 18th-century cavalry leader who lost his life during the American War of Independence and is observed in numerous Polish American communities.
The club completed the cleanup and setup of two bases dedicated to local veterans just in time for the event. They also displayed a mortar, a propeller, and an anchor from previous conflicts.
Certain older Polish Americans were particularly worried about Ukraine and the danger posed by Putin. Having experienced the Cold War era, when Poland became a subordinate state to Moscow, they felt a deeper connection to these issues.
"Putin aims to restore the Soviet Union, and Poland is likely his next target," stated Jack Kuligowski, 78, who serves on the board of the Polish American Citizens Club in Dupont. "In my view, Putin embodies the illegitimate heir of Joseph Stalin."
He mentioned that the differing views of Democrats and Republicans on Ukraine influenced his decision to vote against Trump in the upcoming election.
At the Pulaski Club in Hazle Township, Osif discovered the original logbook from when his family operated the place back in 1934. He examined the faded pages, searching for his ancestors' names among the Polish notes. This worn book dated back to a time just before the invasions of Poland by both the Nazis and the Soviet Union.
It's hard to picture Polish immigrants from the 1930s and 1940s being indifferent towards an assault on their country. However, those who arrived during that time would have witnessed an economic revival in the U.S. during and after the war, particularly in stable industries.
Agnes, who is a first-generation Polish immigrant living in Stroudsburg, just an hour south of Dupont, noted that it was typical for older generations of Polish Americans to feel a strong commitment to fighting for freedom in Europe. She preferred to keep her last name private.
She mentioned that some people who either don’t recall or lack sufficient knowledge of history believe that each country ought to handle its own issues. This perspective resembles Trump’s “America First” stance. She suggested that a number of Polish-Americans might not be particularly bothered if Putin were to invade and take a part of Poland.
"Let him take whatever he wants, and then we can return to how things used to be," she stated, capturing their mindset.
Her friend Magdalena, who was also a first-generation Pole and spoke with a noticeable Polish accent, represented the mindset of the younger crowd. She also preferred not to have her last name mentioned.
"I don't care," she responded regarding Harris' alerts about Poland. "I don't live there anymore. My focus is on the situation here. People are struggling to afford groceries."
Magdalena plans to vote for Trump again this November, as rising costs threaten her ability to make a living. She stated, "We definitely need to support the Ukrainians, but there comes a point when it starts impacting our economy and our people."
Her sister is currently in Poland, taking lessons on how to handle a handgun for self-defense in case the Russians decide to invade.
Her sibling is also in favor of Trump.
