The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced the deployment of 5,000 additional soldiers to Poland, thus reversing the Pentagon’s decision to suspend a military deployment amid its criticism of European allies for their stance on the war in Iran.
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Trump communicated the measure this Thursday through Truth Social, justifying it by the election of nationalist Karol Nawrocki as president of Poland last year. The previous decision to reduce the U.S. military presence had taken Nawrocki by surprise, who is considered an ally of Trump.
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“Based on the successful election of the now president of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, whom I was proud to support, and on our relationship with him, I am pleased to announce that the United States will send 5,000 additional troops to Poland,” the president posted.
Trump made this announcement following the recent decision to reduce U.S. forces at European bases, in retaliation for NATO allies’ refusal to become militarily involved in the war with Iran and in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.
Last week, the Pentagon confirmed that it had canceled the deployment of an armored brigade of more than 4,000 troops heading to Poland, as part of a reconfiguration of its military presence in Europe.
Germany, the country hosting the most U.S. troops
In early May, Trump stated that he was withdrawing 5,000 soldiers from Germany, the country hosting the most U.S. troops, within a period of six to twelve months, in response to statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that questioned Washington’s strategy regarding Iran.
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On Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance denied that his country was going to reduce troops in Poland and stated that it was a delay, which he justified by the need to “redistribute some resources” to maximize security.
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Trump’s announcement coincides with the meeting this Thursday and Friday of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden, marked by increased European military spending and the reduction of U.S. forces on the old continent.
Upon departing for Sweden, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the press that Trump is “disappointed” and “very upset” by the position of the allies, including Spain, regarding the war in Iran.
“NATO is good for the United States because it provides us with bases in the region that allow us to project power in case of contingencies in the Middle East and elsewhere. If member countries like Spain deny us the use of these bases, why do we remain in NATO? We have to talk about that,” said the head of U.S. diplomacy.
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