Zbigniew Ziobro, the fugitive deputy leader of Poland’s Law and Justice party, attended a CPAC "retreat and gala" at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Blask Online published images showing him dining and speaking with former British Prime Minister Liz Truss alongside senior figures from conservative broadcaster TV Republika. The event featured tickets priced from $2,500 to $7,500 for VIP access. Trump addressed the guests directly, stating he "wants to congratulate everybody here." This gathering occurred while Poland actively pursues his extradition following a flight to the United States in May.
The extradition standoff
Polish prosecutors seek to charge Ziobro with 26 crimes, including leading a criminal group and approving the unlawful purchase of Pegasus spyware used to surveil political opponents. He fled Hungary in May after Peter Magyar pledged to extradite him, reportedly aided by a senior US State Department official. In July, Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office sent a formal request to US authorities to detain and extradite him. By late October, the office told newspaper Fakt that it had received no response from the US government.
Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek responded to the photos by hoping the US would show "true friendship" through cooperation. He noted that if an American fugitive was being prosecuted for embezzling hundreds of millions in Poland, they would cooperate fully. Zurek criticized Trump for focusing on building a ballroom rather than justice, adding, "nothing will surprise me anymore." He added that he hopes shifting power in the US might weaken the "protective political umbrella" Ziobro has enjoyed.
Political context and denial
Ziobro served as justice minister from 2015 to 2023, overseeing judicial reforms widely seen as undermining the rule of law. After the liberal coalition led by Donald Tusk took power in December 2023, investigations into PiS officials began. Parliament lifted Ziobro’s immunity, but he had already left for Hungary under Viktor Orban’s protection. Orban’s Fidesz party lost power in April elections, triggering the new administration’s pledge to return Ziobro.
Nikodem Rachon, an advisor to President Karol Nawrocki who is aligned with the opposition and a close Trump ally, also attended the CPAC event as a listed speaker. Ziobro denies all wrongdoing, claiming the prosecution is an act of "political revenge" by the current government. He states he is willing to face justice in Poland only "when the rule of law is restored." The lack of a US response leaves the extradition process stalled despite the active legal pursuit by Polish authorities.
