Trump: "No U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Poland... Considering It for Other Countries"
by Lee Seunghyeong
Published 04 Sep.2025 06:15(KST)
Updated 04 Sep.2025 07:52(KST)
Trump Reaffirms No Plans to Withdraw Troops from Poland
Considers Troop Reductions in Other Countries
Poland Seeks Stronger U.S. Military Presence and Defense Ties
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that there are no plans to withdraw or reduce American troops stationed in Poland, a NATO ally, but that he is considering such measures for other countries.
On September 3 (local time), during a meeting at the White House with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, President Trump was asked whether U.S. troops would remain in Poland and replied, "Yes."
President Trump added, "If Poland wants, we will station even more troops," and noted, "Poland has long wanted more U.S. military presence." He continued, "U.S. troops will remain in Poland. We are very much aligned with Poland." He emphasized, "We have a very special relationship," and said, "We have never even considered the idea of removing troops from Poland. However, we are considering this for other countries."
Currently, the Trump administration is reviewing ways to adjust the global deployment of U.S. forces to match the changing security environment, reaffirming this policy stance. The word "remove," as used by President Trump, literally means to eliminate or transfer something from one place to another. Therefore, it is possible that he is considering either a complete withdrawal or a reduction of U.S. troops in other countries, along with the redeployment of those forces.
As a result, South Korea, where approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed, will need to closely monitor future developments. On August 25, when asked during a meeting with President Lee Jaemyung whether he was considering reducing the U.S. military presence in South Korea, President Trump replied, "I don't want to say that right now. We are friends." He also expressed his desire for the United States to own the land on which the bases used by U.S. forces in South Korea are located. This contrasts with his proactive stance toward increasing the U.S. military presence in Poland, as he stated that he would station more troops there if Poland wanted.
Currently, about 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Poland. The United States deployed troops to Poland during the administration of former President Barack Obama after Russia forcibly annexed Crimea in 2014, and former President Joe Biden further increased the U.S. military presence in Poland after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Further reinforcement of U.S. troops in Poland could serve as another pressure tactic by President Trump against Russia.
President Nawrocki stated that, unlike other European NATO members, Poland does not "free ride," having increased its defense spending to 4.7% of its GDP and aiming to reach NATO's 5% target. NATO estimated that Poland spent 4.12% of its GDP on defense last year, the highest among NATO member states. Poland is targeting 4.7% this year. President Trump commented, "Poland is one of only two NATO members that have paid more than what they are required to contribute, and that was a very good thing."
After the meeting, President Nawrocki announced that President Trump had strongly guaranteed Poland's security and that they discussed increasing the number of U.S. troops stationed in Poland. He said, "I am confident that we will succeed in increasing the number of U.S. troops in Poland, but we have just begun the process." He also revealed that President Trump had invited him to the Group of Twenty (G20) summit to be held in 2026.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.