The Reversal Came Via Truth Social. The Pentagon Was Not Consulted In Advance. And The Reason Trump Gave Was His Personal Relationship With Poland’s New Conservative President.
According to Axios, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would send 5,000 troops to Poland; a surprise announcement that came just one week after the Pentagon abruptly cancelled a planned deployment of 4,000 troops to the same country.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that his decision was based on the election of Poland’s conservative President Karol Nawrocki, whom he had endorsed. The Pentagon had separately halted the planned deployment to Germany of personnel trained to fire long-range rockets and missiles.
About 1,000 soldiers and 1,700 pieces of equipment from the brigade bound for Poland had already arrived in Europe shortly before their deployment was cancelled, according to a US military official speaking anonymously.
Poland had in recent months faced threats from Russia, including NATO and Polish forces having to shoot down Russian drones that violated the country’s airspace. Polish officials this week announced the detention of three citizens suspected of spying on NATO for Moscow and preparing sabotage and disinformation operations.
The Pentagon referred Axios to the White House for comment. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond.
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