The United States Ambassador to Poland has recently found himself at the centre of a diplomatic controversy. On Thursday, 6 February, Ambassador Tom Rose wrote on a post on the X platform that the United States would cease all dealings, contacts, or communications with Włodzimierz Czarzasty, the Speaker (Marshal) of the lower house of the Polish Parliament, following what Rose deemed “outrageous and unprovoked insults directed against President Trump.” Unfortunately, he did not provide specifics regarding these alleged insults.
Czarzasty had previously issued a public statement on Monday, indicating that he would not support an initiative from his Israeli and American counterparts to nominate President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. This action by the US Ambassador is perceived as a significant interference in Polish domestic affairs.
Poland is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections in November 2027. The nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, which shares many of the MAGA movement’s ideological elements, seeks to regain power. However, recent polling indicates that, despite being in opposition, PiS is 8 points behind the ruling Civic Coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Therefore, part of PiS’s strategy may involve undermining Tusk’s coalition partners.
From the beginning of his administration, President Trump has signalled his intent to diminish the influence of the European Union and has openly supported far-right political parties to destabilise European democracies. For example, he and his associates have endorsed the German extremist party Alternative for Germany (AfD) and pro-Kremlin candidates in the Romanian presidential elections, including Calin Georgescu, whose election was ultimately annulled.
In Poland, President Trump endorsed the nationalist populist Karol Nawrocki, who was elected president in 2025. Since the onset of Trump’s presidency, Poland has endeavoured to maintain a delicate balance between supporting its European allies and avoiding alienating its most powerful ally, the United States, which is crucial to peace in neighbouring Ukraine. Warsaw has navigated this balance by having Prime Minister Tusk handle European Union matters while allowing President Nawrocki to engage directly with President Trump.
This recent diplomatic disagreement highlights the complexities of Poland’s position in the current international landscape. Earlier this week, President Nawrocki called a meeting of the national security body to discuss Poland’s potential membership in Trump’s Board of Peace, as well as to clarify Czarzasty’s alleged “eastern business and social contacts.“ The Speaker of Parliament has denied any inappropriate relationships with Russia or Belarus.
Who is the Speaker of parliament
Czarzasty serves as the chairperson of the New Left party (Nowa Lewica), a coalition partner in the liberal government led by Donald Tusk. Recently, he expressed strong opinions regarding President Donald Trump, asserting that Trump “does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.“ Czarzasty characterised Trump’s approach as one of “power politics“ that often employs force and results in “transactional politics,“ which frequently undermines international law.
He also criticised Trump for not adequately recognising the contributions of Polish soldiers in US military missions. Furthermore, Czarzasty highlighted concerns about the “instrumental treatment of other territories,“ including Greenland.
While he affirmed his respect for the United States as an essential ally of Poland, Czarzasty maintained his position and reiterated that he would not alter his views.
Who is the US Ambassador
On 5 February, Ambassador Rose posted his announcement on X.
“Effective immediately, we will have no further dealings, contacts, or communications with Marshal of the Sejm Czarzasty, whose outrageous and unprovoked insults directed against President Trump @POTUS has made himself a serious impediment to our excellent relations with Prime Minister Tusk and his government. We will not permit anyone to harm US–Polish relations, nor disrespect @realDonaldTrump, who has done so much for Poland and the Polish people.”
The US Ambassador’s intervention has raised concerns about its implications for Polish democracy. Rose officially assumed the role of ambassador on 6 November of the previous year, a full nine months after Trump announced his nomination. Like many of Trump’s ambassadorial appointments, Rose is a political appointee rather than a career diplomat. Unlike many other ambassadors chosen by Trump, he does not belong to the US’s inner circle, nor is he a prominent businessman or a significant campaign donor. Rose has publicly acknowledged that billionaire Miriam Adelson, a major Republican Donor, largely facilitated his nomination.
After Trump’s 2016 election victory, Rose served as chief strategist and senior advisor to Vice President Mike Pence. Despite Pence later becoming one of Trump’s critics and rivals, Rose’s ties to him did not hinder his pursuit of Trump’s nomination. Throughout his journalism career, Rose has been a strong advocate for Israel and a critic of liberalism, often aligning with Trump’s positions.
The Polish government supports the Speaker
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk quickly responded to Ambassador Rose’s announcement, stating, “Allies should respect, not lecture, each other.“ Rose, undeterred, acknowledged Tusk as “a model ally,“ but warned that Czarzasty’s comments could harm the Polish government. He cautioned that insulting Trump was a mistake for any Polish leader.
Poles must stand united in support of the Speaker of the Sejm, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, emphasised Waldemar Żurek, the Minister of Justice, on Friday.
Minister Żurek stated during an interview with TVP Info that Marshal Czarzasty did not use offensive language. “The ambassador has lost his nerve, and it is vital for Poland, along with all citizens, to stand united behind the Speaker of the Sejm,” he highlighted. Furthermore, he called on the opposition to clearly articulate their stance against attempts to create division, expressing concern that the ambassador’s comments may aim to create a rift between the Speaker and the Prime Minister.
After this episode, Ambassador Rose engaged with users on X. One user asked him when he plans to return home. The ambassador replied that this may involve the US Army’s departure from Poland. Minister Żurek characterised this response as “completely frivolous“ and affirmed that Poland would not capitulate to any form of intimidation. He reiterated Poland’s strong relationships with its allies, expressing confidence that this incident is isolated and will not be repeated.
As Poland approaches the next parliamentary elections, it is expected that the Trump Administration may intensify efforts to undermine Polish democracy and support a coalition government formed by the Law and Justice party and its right-wing extremist allies from Konfederacja, a course of action that aligns with the Kremlin’s interests as well.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
