And in Warsaw, Bartosz Grodecki took over as head of the National Security Bureau. Each of these topics has its Polish diaspora perspective.
Trump Considers Moving Troops from Germany to Poland
On Friday evening, May 8, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that the relocation of American soldiers withdrawn from Germany to Poland is “possible.” According to reports from Bloomberg, Stars and Stripes, and Euronews, the US president emphasized good relations with President Karol Nawrocki, whom he supported in his campaign. That same night, Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz published on X a declaration of Poland’s readiness to accept the contingent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted, however, that no formal decisions have yet been made.
Positions within the Polish government differ in tone. On Wednesday, May 6, President Nawrocki, during joint Brave Griffin exercises in Lithuania near the Suwałki Gap, stated that Poland has the necessary infrastructure and will encourage Trump for the soldiers to remain in Europe. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, however, had previously expressed restraint — according to Stars and Stripes, the head of government said that Poland should not “poach” soldiers from Western European allies. We described the entire topic in more detail in a separate article on poland.us.
135th May 3rd Constitution Parade in Chicago
On Saturday, May 2, Columbus Drive in downtown Chicago transformed into the white-and-red heart of Polonia. The 135th May 3rd Constitution Day Parade marched under the slogan “Happy Birthday, USA! Two Nations! One Spirit” — directly aligning with the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Krzysztof Matyszczyk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union (PSFCU), became the Grand Marshal of the Parade. This is the first time the parade has been led by a person from the East Coast of the USA. PSFCU itself will celebrate its 50th anniversary of operation in the United States in 2026.
The title of Friend of Polonia was awarded to Arlene Jezierny, mayor of Harwood Heights, a town near Chicago strongly associated with the Polish community. The honorary marshal was Władysław Ortyl, marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The Queen of the Parade was 21-year-old Justyna Szkaradek. Over one hundred Polish diaspora organizations and delegations from Poland participated in the parade.
Poland: Bartosz Grodecki New Head of National Security Bureau
In the country, the most prominent personnel move of the week was the nomination of Bartosz Grodecki as head of the National Security Bureau. According to Rzeczpospolita, President Nawrocki, announcing the decision, described the new head of the BBN as “mentally resilient and ready for sacrifices.” In the context of discussions about strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, staffing the BBN within the presidential camp has operational significance — the BBN coordinates the president’s advice on military and intelligence matters.
Key Facts
- USA–Poland: Trump (May 8, White House): relocation of troops from Germany to Poland “possible.” Rubio: no formal decision.
- Polonia: 135th May 3rd Parade in Chicago (May 2); Marshal Krzysztof Matyszczyk (PSFCU), slogan “Two Nations! One Spirit” for the 250th anniversary of the USA.
- Poland: Bartosz Grodecki new head of National Security Bureau.
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