US President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, marking a reversal of an earlier decision to pause a planned rotation. The announcement was made on Truth Social, where Trump cited his relationship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, whom he endorsed in last year's election.
The move comes just days after the Pentagon halted a long-planned deployment of 4,000 troops from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team to Poland, part of a broader review of US force posture in Europe. Vice-President JD Vance had defended that decision on Wednesday, saying Europe should take more responsibility for its defence and that Poland was capable of defending itself with US support.
The original delay alarmed Polish leaders, who were caught off guard, and drew criticism in the US Congress amid concerns over Russia's assertive stance. There are currently about 10,000 US troops in Poland. It remains unclear whether the new deployment will be rotational or permanent, or if it is linked to Trump's earlier decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.
The announcement coincides with a Nato foreign ministers' meeting in Sweden, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised alliance members for not allowing US use of bases for the Iran war, singling out Spain. Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato allies for insufficient support and has questioned the alliance's value.
Polish President Nawrocki thanked Trump for his friendship, calling the alliance a vital security pillar. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the decision confirms strong Polish-American relations and Poland's status as a model ally.
