US President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, surprising NATO allies. The decision comes as tensions persist within the alliance over the ongoing Iran war and broader security disagreements. The move signals a shift in US military posture in Eastern Europe.
Trump linked the decision to his relationship with Poland’s newly elected conservative nationalist president Karol Nawrocki. He made the announcement in a social media post, stating the US would strengthen its military presence in Poland. The pledge came just hours before US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met NATO counterparts in Sweden.
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Rubio said Trump was frustrated with some NATO members over limited support for US operations. He specifically criticised countries that denied access to military bases during the Iran conflict. However, he acknowledged that several allies had cooperated closely with Washington.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty over US commitment to NATO and Europe. Trump has previously questioned alliance obligations and even suggested possible troop withdrawals. European allies have also been unsettled by shifting US defence plans and paused deployments.
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NATO officials said discussions in Sweden would focus on alliance unity and regional security concerns. European ministers are expected to emphasize support for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The alliance continues to face internal pressure over burden-sharing and long-term defence planning.