Opinion: As a Polish American, Donald Trump’s words are a clear threat to me and my community

Robert Shimkoski, a member of the Detroit area Polish American community, shares how Trump’s disregard for Ukraine and praise of Putin are a direct threat to Polish Americans and the values of freedom and democracy.

As a member of the Detroit area Polish American community, I feel compelled to speak about how a second Donald Trump administration would be a clear threat to our community and why I’m casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

During the presidential debate this month, Trump twice refused to answer a question about whether he wanted Ukraine to win their war with Russia. As a Polish American, it was more proof that Trump doesn’t care what happens to our families and our homeland.

In fact — earlier this year, Trump made it clear he would side with Vladimir Putin if he returns to the White House. I watched in shock as he proudly said that he would abandon our allies in the event of a Russian attack and actually encouraged Vladimir Putin and Russia to “do whatever the hell they want.”

For 75 years, the United States has worked with our allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to defend freedom and democracy around the world from the threat of autocracy. America’s leadership and steadfast support for NATO also helps keep us safe here at home. After September 11, it was NATO that provided international support. But now, Trump is willing to cede our leadership, turn our backs on our allies, and jeopardize our national security, all to cozy up to Putin. And just this month, Trump’s running mate JD Vance announced a plan for Ukraine that would sacrifice Ukraine and give Putin almost everything he wants.

As a Polish American, this is terrifying.

These aren’t just attacks on me and my family who came to America from Rzeszów, Poland searching for a fair shot in a country founded on the ideals of equality and democracy, but it’s also a direct affront to the more than 900,000 Michiganders like us who are of Polish and Baltic descent. Donald Trump is eager to abandon us and the American values of freedom and democracy — all in his pursuit of power.

Trump’s history of praising dictators and criticizing our allies has even led our nation’s top military generals, including his own administration officials, to condemn him as “dangerous” and “unfit” for office.

Luckily, we have the opportunity to elect a proven leader who we can trust to ensure America’s security and will fight for all of us to live the American Dream — Vice President Kamala Harris.

Vice President Harris is a respected leader on the world stage and will use her expertise to ensure America’s security. She understands that if America walks away from Ukraine, Putin will set his sights on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland. She knows that our security depends on stopping Russia in its tracks in Ukraine, which is why she helped build an international coalition of more than 50 nations to help Ukraine defend itself, traveled to Poland to make clear that we stand with our allies, and has met with President Zelenskyy six times, including on the eve of Russia’s invasion to help him prepare. We can trust her to protect our national security and to stand up for our allies.

Michigan, with our votes we have the power to save democracy for generations to come. I know I’m ready to stand up and fight to ensure that freedom and democracy endure. We must elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. I hope you’ll join me.

Related: Michigan Voting Guide