U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Pentagon’s decision to suspend a planned deployment of American troops to Poland, The Wall Street Journal learned from current and former U.S. officials.
During a recent phone call, Trump reportedly questioned Hegseth’s reasoning for halting the deployment and stressed that Washington should avoid damaging relations with Poland, a key NATO ally.
The dispute centres on a suspended troop movement that was expected to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. The decision to pause the deployment drew criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as Polish officials, who said they were not consulted.
The controversy comes amid broader shifts in U.S. force posture in Europe, including an earlier announcement that 5,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany. That move sparked criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said the United States was being “humiliated” in its dealings related to the Iran conflict, remarks that reportedly angered Trump.
In contrast, Trump announced plans to send an additional 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland, citing his close relationship with Poland’s leadership and its strategic importance as a transit hub for aid to Ukraine.
“Based on the successful election of the now President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, who I was proud to endorse, and our relationship with him, I am pleased to announce that the United States will be sending an additional 5,000 troops to Poland,” Trump wrote on social media.
By Sabina Mammadli
