Topic: Visa Waiver Program

President Trump expressed support for Poland's entry into the US Visa Waiver Program, a long-standing goal for the Polish government. The discussion explores the historical and political reasons for Poland's exclusion, including alleged opposition from certain members of Congress. Trump noted that while progress has been made, there is still work to do before Polish citizens can travel to the US without visas.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited Poland ahead of the G20 summit in Germany. While the visit was visually successful, critics expressed disappointment that Trump did not grant Poland entry into the U.S. visa waiver program, despite the country's strategic partnership and purchase of Patriot missile systems.

Lawyers for a Guantanamo Bay inmate are suing the creators of the CIA’s torture program in relation to "black sites" in Poland. The discussion shifts to why Poland is excluded from the US visa waiver program despite being a staunch military ally.

Zahra Billoo of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) labeled the executive order a "Muslim ban" during a media appearance. The hosts argue against this label, noting that the world's most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia, is not included in the ban. They further state the order is legally based on the Visa Waiver Program and follows a 2011 precedent set by the Obama administration regarding Iraqi refugees.

Democratic Representative Adam Smith defended existing refugee vetting processes, claiming no terrorist attacks in the U.S. have been committed by refugees. The hosts counter by mentioning the wife of Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen and the lack of visa-waiver status for Poland, a key U.S. ally. They reiterate that the executive order does not explicitly mention religion.

Donald Trump met with Polish-American leaders in Chicago and promised to push for Poland's inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. The hosts discuss the long-standing grievance of Polish citizens who are excluded from the program despite being a NATO ally. They explore theories regarding why previous administrations have refused to grant the waiver, including historical tensions and legislative hurdles.

Texas Congressman Michael McCaul, Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, claims the Paris attacks were carried out by "foreign fighters." The hosts correct this, noting the attackers were French nationals. McCaul uses the threat to advocate for increased funding for the FBI and Homeland Security in an upcoming appropriations bill.

Poland's involvement in hosting CIA black sites has led to calls for the country to be included in the U.S. visa waiver program as a quid pro quo. Meanwhile, the case of John Kiriakou is highlighted as the only CIA officer imprisoned in relation to the torture program—not for the torture itself, but for whistleblowing to the press. His exclusion from the current public debate on the Senate report is noted as a significant omission.

A visit to a Wagamama restaurant in southern Amsterdam reveals a staff primarily composed of Polish and Latvian immigrants. A conversation with a Polish server highlights frustrations regarding the United States visa waiver program and the difficulty Polish citizens face when attempting to visit family in America despite Poland's status as a NATO ally.

Representatives Gabbard and Collins propose suspending the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) due to security concerns, which the hosts argue would damage the economy. The discussion touches on the "Economic Hitman" theory regarding USAID workers and the high-security environment of U.S. embassies in Europe, where visitors are prohibited from carrying electronics.