WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced plans to send an additional 5,000 American troops to Poland, deepening uncertainty over Washington’s military strategy in Europe following recent decisions to scale back deployments across the continent.
Trump said the move was linked to his close relationship with Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki, describing Warsaw as a key ally at a time of growing tensions within NATO.
The announcement came just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halted a scheduled deployment of thousands of US troops to Poland and other Eastern European countries, citing frustration that European allies had not contributed enough to collective security efforts.
Earlier this month, Trump also announced the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany after criticism from Berlin over Washington’s handling of the Iran war.
Broader military planning
Despite Trump’s latest statement, Polish officials suggested troop levels in the country would likely remain close to existing numbers. Poland currently hosts around 10,000 American troops and serves as a major hub for Western military aid flowing into neighbouring Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said adjustments to troop deployments were part of broader military planning and not intended as punishment for allies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the announcement but stressed that Europe must continue strengthening its own defence capabilities and reduce dependence on a single ally.
The Pentagon’s recent cancellation of planned troop rotations drew criticism from some US lawmakers, including Republican Congressman Don Bacon, who described the move as an embarrassment and said Poland had been caught off guard.
The latest developments have added to growing debate over America’s long-term military commitment to Europe amid shifting geopolitical tensions and internal disagreements within the NATO alliance.
