By Blessing Nweke
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States would deploy an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, just one week after the Pentagon cancelled a planned deployment of 4,000 troops to the Eastern European ally.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the move reflected Washington’s close relationship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, whom he endorsed during Poland’s presidential election campaign last year. Trump, however, did not clarify whether the new deployment was linked to the previously delayed mission or represented a separate operation.
The announcement comes as the White House signals plans to reduce the overall American military footprint in Europe under Trump’s “America First” agenda. Earlier this month, the administration also confirmed it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany following tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the conflict with Iran.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato allies for what he describes as insufficient support for US efforts to pressure Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign ministers from Nato member states are set to meet in Sweden on Friday, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to urge greater burden sharing among alliance members.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Rubio said discussions would include questions surrounding future US troop levels in Europe, adding that Trump remained disappointed with several Nato partners.
Poland’s president has remained one of Trump’s strongest allies in Europe, arguing earlier this year that the United States remains the continent’s primary security guarantor against Russia.
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