U.S. Ambassador Tom Rose severed ties with Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty over insults to President Trump and criticism of Poland’s peace efforts.
Ambassador’s Statement
U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose announced breaking contact with Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty, citing offensive and unjustified insults against President Donald Trump. Rose emphasized this created a serious obstacle in “excellent” relations between the U.S. administration and Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government.
Ambassador Rose stated, “We will not allow anyone to damage Polish-American relations or insult Donald Trump, who has done so much for Poland and Poles,” following Czarzasty’s refusal to support a Nobel Peace Prize for Trump and criticism of Poland’s new peace initiatives.
Czarzasty’s Response
When questioned by journalists in the Sejm, Czarzasty tersely replied, “I will only say one sentence: respect requires respect. That’s all I have to add on this matter.” Earlier, he had defended his stance on social media, citing Polish soldiers’ missions and declaring his position “fundamental for Poles and Polish women.”
Czarzasty thanked supporters for their backing and solidarity, reiterating his refusal to alter his stance despite the ambassador’s declaration.
Reactions from Polish Leaders
Prime Minister Donald Tusk asserted, “Allies should respect each other, not lecture—at least that’s how we understand partnership in Poland.” Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro accused the ambassador of losing his nerve, while other politicians and former ambassadors criticized Rose’s remarks.
Political polarization emerged: PiS figures and President Karol Nawrocki’s circle attacked Czarzasty, while some Democrats and Republicans joined criticism of the ambassador.
