United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to deploy an additional 5,000 American troops to Poland, a move that caught many NATO allies off guard just before a key meeting of alliance foreign ministers in Sweden.
Trump revealed the decision in a Truth Social post late Thursday, saying his close relationship with newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki influenced the deployment.
“Based on the successful election of President Karol Nawrocki, who I proudly endorsed, and our strong relationship, the United States will send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland,” Trump wrote.
The announcement comes at a tense moment within NATO, as divisions continue to grow over the ongoing Iran war and the level of support some European countries have offered to the US-led military campaign.
For weeks, Trump has openly criticised NATO members he believes are not doing enough. He has repeatedly questioned the alliance’s value and even hinted that Washington could reconsider its commitment to NATO’s mutual defence obligations.
Ahead of Friday’s talks in Helsingborg, Sweden, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio intensified the pressure, accusing some allies of refusing to support American military operations.
Rubio specifically criticised Spain for denying US forces access to military bases on its territory.
“If countries like Spain won’t allow the US to use these bases, then people are going to ask why they’re even in NATO,” Rubio told reporters in Miami. He added that several other alliance members had been cooperative and supportive.
NATO officials, however, stressed that the alliance itself was never formally asked to participate in the Iran war, though many member states have allowed US aircraft and military operations to use their airspace and facilities.
European leaders are expected to use the Sweden meeting to reassure Washington of their commitment to regional security. Diplomats say several countries are prepared to assist with securing shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
The strategic waterway has faced major disruptions since the conflict with Iran escalated.
At the same time, concerns remain across Europe about Trump’s long-term commitment to NATO. Earlier this year, the US announced plans to reduce troop numbers in Europe and cancel the deployment of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Germany.
It is still unclear where the additional troops heading to Poland will come from or whether the deployment will replace forces previously scheduled for other European bases.
NATO’s top military commander, General Alexus Grynkewich, sought to calm fears this week, saying any future reduction of US military capabilities in Europe would happen gradually, giving allies time to strengthen their own defences.
