Poland’s defence chief: No US without NATO and no NATO without US

On April 1, Poland’s Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz pushed back against remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington could consider leaving NATO, stressing the alliance remains central to European security, Polish media reports.

Speaking in response to Trump’s comments in an interview with The Telegraph, Kosiniak-Kamysz said NATO could not function without the United States, but argued that U.S. global power was also linked to the alliance. 

“There is no NATO without the United States, but there is also no American power without NATO,” he said, adding that maintaining the transatlantic partnership is in Poland’s security interest.

Trump described NATO as a “paper tiger” and said he was seriously considering withdrawing the United States from the alliance, remarks that have drawn concern among European allies already facing heightened security pressures.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said the statements reflected a tense international environment and underlined the need for Poland and Europe to strengthen their own defence capabilities.

He reiterated that Poland must continue to build military strength and deepen both transatlantic ties and European Union defence initiatives in order to be a credible partner for the United States.

The minister also said Poland’s Patriot air defence systems would remain in the country to protect its airspace and NATO’s eastern flank, dismissing suggestions they could be redeployed elsewhere.

“Poland must pursue a consistent strategy of building its own security,” he said, noting that political messaging can fluctuate but defence policy must remain stable.

Kosiniak-Kamysz added that Europe should accelerate efforts to develop its defence capacity so it can stand as a stronger partner alongside the United States within NATO.