A new poll reveals over half of Poles are worried about a potential U.S. withdrawal from NATO following recent statements by Donald Trump.
Trump Again Attacks NATO
The White House recently stated that Donald Trump is considering the U.S. leaving NATO, a topic reportedly discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Following the meeting, Trump stated that “NATO was not there when we needed them, and it will not be there if we need them again.” Rutte described the conversations as “frank and open.”
Growing Polish Anxiety
The survey, conducted by SW Research for Onet on April 8, 2024, among a nationwide sample of 810 adults using the CAWI method, found that 52% of respondents expressed concern over the prospect of the U.S. leaving NATO. Conversely, 24.8% held the opposite view, while 23.2% selected “don’t know” or “hard to say.”
Security Concerns Dominate Polish Views
The poll results indicate that Poles primarily view a potential weakening of U.S. commitment to NATO as a security issue. Over half of respondents directly admitted that such a scenario causes anxiety, while less than a quarter expressed no concerns. This is the latest poll demonstrating a clear public reaction in Poland to Donald Trump’s policies toward allies.
Trump’s History of NATO Criticism
Trump has long used similar rhetoric regarding the Alliance. During the 2024 campaign, he stated he would not defend countries he believes spend too little on defense. He recently returned to even harsher statements, suggesting a possible U.S. exit from NATO following a dispute with European partners over support for operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Past Threats and Congressional Hurdles
This is not the first time Trump’s words have caused concern among U.S. allies. During his first term, fears arose that he might try to limit U.S. security guarantees to NATO countries or use them as a political tool. He again signaled similar intentions in his subsequent term, even attempting to gain control of Greenland, and threatening to leave the Alliance when that failed. However, a U.S. withdrawal from NATO would require Congressional approval.
Political Disputes Fuel Tensions
Recent weeks have seen disputes between Washington and European allies regarding support for operations in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Western response to the crisis in the Middle East. Spain took a leading role in opposing Trump’s will, blocking U.S. aircraft participating in Middle East operations from entering its airspace, followed by Austria. The United Kingdom allowed the U.S. to use its bases in the region “for defensive purposes.”
