“Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized his deep respect for Poland’s sacrifice and its unwavering commitment to the North Atlantic Alliance, including solidarity and service alongside allies in Iraq and Afghanistan,” wrote the U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, on social media.
On Thursday, Trump told Fox News that the United States had never needed NATO’s help and had “never really asked allies for anything.” “You know, they’ll say they sent troops to Afghanistan or Sudan—and they did. They stayed a bit in the rear, a bit away from the front line,” the American leader added.
Trump’s remarks were opposed by Polish politicians and prompted reactions from leaders around the world. President Nawrocki also weighed in—doing so in English as well.
“There is no doubt that Polish soldiers are Heroes. They deserve respect and words of gratitude for their service. In Afghanistan, 44 brave Poles lost their lives: 43 soldiers and one civilian. They will remain in our memory forever!” President Nawrocki wrote in Polish and English on the X platform.
“Poland Has No Greater Friend”
Today, the U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, posted his own comment on the matter on social media.
“Poland has no greater friend than President Donald Trump. He has repeatedly emphasized his deep respect for Poland’s sacrifice and its unwavering commitment to the North Atlantic Alliance, including solidarity and service alongside allies in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Rose wrote.
He added that the efforts of Poles are respected by all Americans and that Polish leaders are valued.
“Our shared strength continues to rest on mutual respect, which makes the alliance great and exceptional—and that principle will remain paramount. Be assured,” the American ambassador emphasized.
“Where Were You?”
Strong voices of outrage over Donald Trump’s Thursday remarks were also heard from Poland’s governing camp, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk. A presidential minister, Adam Andruszkiewicz, pointed out what he described as a certain hypocrisy on the part of those in power.
“Where were you—those in power today from Civic Platform—when Polish soldiers were being called ‘trash’ by your man on your favorite television station?” he reminded them.
He accused them of cynically exploiting the current situation.
“You are exploiting today’s situation purely cynically—some to vent their personal, ideological frustrations; others in the name of German geopolitical interests,” wrote the Deputy Head of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland.