Full Breakdown
Declining Trust in the U.S. Among Poles: Recent Polls Reflect Growing Skepticism
2/3/2026, 10:20:14 PM
Core Findings of Recent Polls
Recent surveys indicate a significant decline in Polish public trust towards the United States as a reliable ally. A poll conducted by SW Research for the daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita, published on January 31, 2026, revealed that 53.2% of respondents believe the U.S. is no longer a trustworthy ally, while only 29.9% maintain a positive view. This shift in perception follows a series of events, including U.S. military actions and controversial statements made by President Donald Trump regarding NATO allies.
Background Context
Historically, Poland has been one of the most pro-American nations in Europe, with strong public support for the presence of approximately 10,000 U.S. troops in the country. However, recent political developments and Trump's leadership have led to growing unease. A Pew Research Center study from June 2025 showed a dramatic drop in confidence in Trump, with only 35% of Poles believing he would do the right thing in world affairs, down from 75% under President Joe Biden.
Diverging Political Perspectives
The decline in trust is not uniform across the political spectrum. Supporters of the right-wing opposition, including President Karol Nawrocki, largely maintain faith in Trump, with 54% believing he guarantees Poland's security. In contrast, only 15% of supporters of the current center-left government share this view. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has criticized Trump’s foreign policy, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and his comments about NATO contributions.
Public Sentiment and Criticism
The negative sentiment towards Trump is echoed in various polls. An IBP survey indicated that 58% of Poles view Trump's international and security policies unfavorably. Political scientist Bartlomiej Biskup noted that Trump's remarks about NATO and Greenland have been particularly controversial, contributing to the decline in his approval ratings. General Roman Polko, a former commander of Poland's special forces, condemned Trump’s questioning of allies’ contributions, labeling it as "the cynicism of a coward."
Conflicting Reports and Broader Implications
Despite the prevailing negative views, a Eurobazooka survey for Le Grand Continent showed that Poles are still less negative towards Trump compared to other Europeans. In Poland, only 28% consider Trump an enemy of Europe, while this figure exceeds 50% in countries like Spain and France. This nuanced perspective reflects a complex relationship between Poland and the U.S., influenced by domestic political dynamics and international events.
Official Statements & Responses
Analysts like Jakub Graca from the Institute of New Europe have pointed out that Trump's actions undermine the international order beneficial for Poland. Meanwhile, opposition leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski has advocated for maintaining close ties with the U.S., suggesting that Poland should invest in a permanent seat on Trump's Board of Peace to secure its interests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Trump, with his words and actions, is undermining the existing order, which is beneficial for Poland as a ‘middleweight’ player on the international stage” — Jakub Graca, Analyst, Institute of New Europe
- “This is the cynicism of a coward who hasn’t been on the front lines himself,” — General Roman Polko, Former Commander of Poland's Special Forces
The evolving perception of the U.S. among Poles underscores a critical moment in Polish-American relations, shaped by both domestic political shifts and international developments.
