BRUSSELS – A century after sending the "Polish Declarations of Admiration and Friendship" to the United States, Poland is reassessing its long-standing relationship with its American ally amidst an evolving geopolitical landscape.

The 1926 gesture was emblematic of Polish gratitude for American wartime support, yet contemporary concerns have emerged as the United States, under the Trump administration, adopts a markedly different foreign policy approach.

Poland had positioned itself as a key defence ally within NATO, presenting its military expenditures as a benchmark for allied commitment to security.

While President Trump has publicly acknowledged Poland’s contributions, actual commitments have remained nebulous, leading to increased unease among Polish officials.

Recent surveys reveal a decline in confidence among the Polish populace regarding the reliability of the United States as a partner.

According to findings from Rzeczpospolita, only 32.7% of respondents view the US as a dependable ally, with 46.3% expressing doubts, particularly among educated individuals.

This skepticism reflects broader anxieties about Poland's security as it sits on the frontlines of regional tensions surrounding Ukraine and Russia.

Concerns intensified following decisions by the Trump administration to limit intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

This move sparked alarm in Poland over the implications for its own military capabilities, which rely heavily on American technology.

Polish diplomats have also voiced apprehension regarding the potential reconsideration of US troop deployments in the country, a critical element in Poland's national defense strategy.

Experts warn that shifting US priorities, including a rapprochement with Russia, could undermine Polish security arrangements.

Paweł Markiewicz from the Polish Institute of International Affairs expressed fears that any potential withdrawal of American troops from Poland could signal a lack of American resolve in Eastern Europe, reminiscent of previous strategic miscalculations, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

While Poland seeks to maintain ties with the United States, it is also beginning to explore closer relationships with regional partners.

The country is actively supporting European defense initiatives as a means of enhancing its security framework independent of American oversight.

This strategic pivot is seen as a necessary step in an uncertain geopolitical climate.

The mixed messages from the US have contributed to growing discontent within the Polish political landscape.

Polish President Andrzej Duda experienced a diminished reception during recent meetings in Washington compared to other European leaders, highlighting the perceived devaluation of Poland’s status in US foreign policy.

Tensions escalated further with disagreements over access to Starlink services for Ukraine, spotlighting the fragile nature of transatlantic relations.

Polish leadership, previously viewed as aligned with US interests, is increasingly vocal about its frustrations, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasizing the need for mutual respect among allies.

Discussions surrounding Poland's defense posture have also ignited debate on nuclear capabilities, as Tusk has broached the possibility of pursuing its own nuclear deterrent or seeking shelter under France's nuclear umbrella.

Concurrently, President Duda has called for the deployment of US nuclear weapons on Polish soil to bolster deterrence against perceived Russian aggression.

However, these propositions have found limited support both in Washington and Moscow.

As Poland holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, observers note an absence of initiative to organize discussions around security cooperation with the United States, further complicating the strategic landscape in Europe amid growing anxieties regarding Russian military assertiveness.