Last week, the United States unexpectedly called off the deployment of 4,000 soldiers to Poland. On May 21, Trump announced plans to send 5,000 troops to the country.
Officials said that during a phone call the president asked Hegseth why the deployment had been canceled and stressed that the United States should not treat Poland poorly, citing friendly relations with right-wing President Karol Nawrocki.
“Hegseth’s move also surprised some officials because it was Germany — not Poland — that criticized the U.S. strategy in the war with Iran, drawing Trump’s ire,” the WSJ wrote.
“In early May, Trump responded to criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz by ordering the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from the country, a process that the Pentagon said would take six to 12 months.”
The Pentagon said Trump and Hegseth regularly coordinate U.S. troop movements in Europe.
“President Trump and Secretary Hegseth communicate
constantly and are in lockstep regarding U.S. troop movements in Europe,”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.