WARSAW, Poland — The United States will have “no further dealings, contacts, or communications” with Włodzimierz Czarzasty, the speaker of the lower house of the Polish parliament, over what U.S. Ambassador Tom Rose called “outrageous and unprovoked insults directed against President Trump.”
Ambassador Rose did not detail the specific remarks that prompted the diplomatic shift, but Czarzasty had publicly criticized the prospect of nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this week. Czarzasty stated he would not support such an initiative.
Czarzasty, a leader of a left-wing party within the liberal government led by Donald Tusk, argued that Trump “does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize,” characterizing his approach as “power politics” and “transactional politics” that often involves “breaking international law.” He also criticized Trump’s perceived lack of recognition for the contributions of Polish soldiers in U.S. Military missions and what he described as the “instrumental treatment of other territories,” referencing the example of Greenland.
The dispute underscores the delicate balancing act Poland has maintained since Trump’s rise to power – defending its European allies while simultaneously avoiding alienating the United States, a crucial ally given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Currently, Poland navigates this dynamic with Prime Minister Tusk handling relations with the European Union and President Karol Nawrocki fostering a connection with Trump.
Nawrocki, who came to power with the support of the national-conservative opposition party Law and Justice, enjoys a positive relationship with Trump. Trump endorsed Nawrocki during his presidential campaign and extended an invitation to the White House shortly after Nawrocki took office. During a September visit, Trump affirmed his commitment to maintaining U.S. Troop presence in Poland, even suggesting an increase if desired.
Prime Minister Tusk responded to Ambassador Rose’s announcement on Thursday, stating via X (formerly Twitter), “Mr. Ambassador Rose, allies should respect, not lecture, each other.”
Rose, however, remained firm in his position, replying to Tusk that despite viewing the prime minister as “a model ally and great friend of the United States,” Czarzasty’s comments were “so potentially damaging to your government.” He emphasized that insulting Trump, whom he described as “the greatest friend Poland has ever had in the White House,” was “the last thing” a Polish leader should do.
Earlier this week, President Nawrocki convened a national security body meeting to discuss, among other issues, Poland’s potential participation in “Trump’s Board of Peace” and to investigate alleged “eastern business and social contacts” of Czarzasty. Czarzasty has denied any inappropriate relationships with entities in Russia or Belarus.
Law and Justice, the main opposition party that backed Nawrocki’s presidential bid, is reportedly hoping to capitalize on the situation to weaken Tusk’s coalition partners in anticipation of upcoming parliamentary elections.
Czarzasty himself stated on Thursday night that while he respects the U.S. As a key ally, he would not alter his stance on Trump.
The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a comment on the matter.
