US Ambassador Tom Rose has announced that the U.S. embassy in Poland will cease contact with the country’s parliamentary speaker, Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, following what Rose described as “outrageous” remarks directed at President Donald Trump. This decision was made public on Thursday and will take effect immediately.
Czarzasty, who leads Poland’s New Left party, criticized Trump’s pursuit of the Nobel Peace Prize and condemned the president’s approach to international relations, which he characterized as a “policy of force.” He specifically pointed to Trump’s tariffs on European nations, comments about seizing Greenland, and his suggestions that NATO allies had been inactive during the Afghan war as evidence of his unsuitability for the honor.
Rose characterized Czarzasty’s comments as “unprovoked” and detrimental to the strong ties between the United States and Poland. He emphasized that the U.S. would not tolerate anyone undermining the relationship or disrespecting Trump, who he claims has made significant contributions to Poland and its people.
In response, Czarzasty stood firm on his position, expressing respect for the U.S. as an ally while also asserting that he would not alter his views on such important issues affecting Polish citizens. He urged the ambassador to focus on mutual respect rather than issuing lectures.
The discord caught the attention of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who reiterated the importance of respect among allies, suggesting that open dialogue should facilitate partnership rather than confrontational remarks. Rose responded by advising Tusk to address Czarzasty’s comments, indicating a clear divide in perspectives within Polish political circles.
Notably, this is not the first instance of Czarzasty publicly criticizing Trump. Earlier in the year, he joined other Polish leaders in denouncing Trump’s comments about NATO, branding them as “scandalous.” This ongoing clash sheds light on the complexities of U.S.-Polish relations, particularly in light of differing views among Polish politicians regarding the American president’s policies and behavior.
Despite the tension, both countries maintain a robust historical partnership, which emphasizes the hope for continued dialogue and understanding moving forward.