Trump signals troop shift from Germany to Poland

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he “might” relocate American troops from Germany to Poland, as the Pentagon prepares to withdraw approximately 5,000 U.S. soldiers from Germany over the next year.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, May 8, Trump signalled openness to the idea of repositioning forces eastward. “Poland would like that," he said. "We have a great relationship with Poland. I have a great relationship with the president. ... I like him a lot, so that's possible.”

Earlier this month, the Pentagon confirmed plans to remove 5,000 troops from U.S. military bases in Germany. The move follows tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including disagreements related to the Iran war. Trump has since suggested the drawdown could go further, warning that the Pentagon would be "cutting a lot further than 5,000."

Poland has expressed readiness to host the redeployed القوات. On Wednesday, Polish President Karol Nawrocki said the country is prepared to accept U.S. troops withdrawn from Germany and indicated he would personally lobby Trump to send them to Poland.

However, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk struck a more cautious tone, warning on Monday that Warsaw should not "poach" troops from allied countries.

Poland’s defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who also leads the conservative Polish People’s Party, welcomed Trump’s remarks on Saturday.

"The Polish-American alliance is the foundation of our security," he wrote on social media platform X. "Poland is ready to accept more American soldiers in order to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and provide even better protection for Europe."

By Tamilla Hasanova