Washington (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 06, 2026 - The United States has cut official ties with Szymon Hołownia, Speaker of Poland's Sejm, following his public insults against President Donald Trump. The State Department announced the decision on February 5, citing repeated derogatory remarks as incompatible with diplomatic norms. Multiple U.S. agencies will cease direct engagement with Hołownia's office pending an apology.
The U.S. State Department issued a formal statement Thursday confirming the termination of all official contacts with Szymon Hołownia, Marshal of the Sejm and leader of the Polska 2050 party. Spokesperson Matthew Miller explained the measure responds to Hołownia's February 2 parliamentary speech where he referred to President Trump as "mentally unstable" and a "threat to NATO unity." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the decision during Friday's briefing.
Polish government sources confirmed receipt of the diplomatic note through Warsaw's U.S. embassy channels. Hołownia addressed the matter in a Sejm session Friday afternoon, defending his statements as "honest political discourse."
Timeline of Controversial Statements
Szymon Hołownia first criticised President Trump during a January 28 TVN24 interview, calling his foreign policy "erratic and dangerous for Europe." Remarks escalated February 2 when Hołownia stated in parliament,
"Donald Trump's mental state disqualifies him from leading the free world,"
prompting objections from Law and Justice (PiS) lawmakers. Trump responded via Truth Social on February 3, labelling Hołownia a "loser politician" reliant on U.S. security guarantees.
The Speaker reiterated criticisms February 4 on Polsat News, accusing Trump of "blackmailing NATO allies over spending." U.S. Ambassador to Poland Brian Bulatao summoned Hołownia's chief of staff that evening for a formal protest.
U.S. State Department Official Position
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller read the official position during Thursday's press briefing:
"The United States maintains robust relations with Poland but cannot tolerate public insults against the President from official parliamentary channels."
Agencies including USAID, Pentagon, and Commerce Department received directives to route Poland communications through Prime Minister Donald Tusk's chancellery or Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
Miller specified exemptions for emergency consular matters and ongoing military cooperation under NATO frameworks. Duration remains indefinite until Hołownia retracts statements publicly.
Polish Government Response and Internal Divisions
Prime Minister Donald Tusk distanced his Civic Coalition government from Hołownia during Friday's Council of Ministers meeting, stating, "Personal attacks undermine our strategic partnership with America." Tusk emphasised Poland's $70 billion F-35 purchase and 4.7 percent GDP defence spending as evidence of commitment.
Law and Justice opposition leader Mariusz Błaszczak demanded Hołownia's resignation, calling remarks "treasonous against Polish interests." Polska 2050 parliamentary group met urgently Friday evening, issuing a statement defending free speech while expressing regret over diplomatic fallout.
President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, hosted U.S. Ambassador Bulatao at the Belweder Palace Friday morning in a gesture of continuity.
Historical Context of U.S.-Poland Relations
U.S.-Poland ties strengthened post-1999 NATO accession, with $12 billion annual trade volume and 10,000 U.S. troops stationed under Enhanced Forward Presence. Trump hosted Polish President Duda at the White House three times during his first term, signing the 2019 defence cooperation roadmap.
Previous frictions arose in 2021 when President Biden administration criticised Poland's judicial reforms, imposing targeted sanctions. Relations normalised post-2023 elections installing Tusk government aligned with EU positions.
Trump's January 2025 inauguration speech reaffirmed "ironclad" Eastern Flank commitments while urging higher allied spending.
Specific Insults Cited by Washington
Hołownia's February 2 Sejm address included:
"President Trump's cognitive decline poses existential risk to transatlantic security."
February 4 interview added comparisons to authoritarian leaders and accusations of abandoning Ukraine. State Department cables obtained by Politico listed 17 separate instances across speeches, social media, and broadcasts since January 20.
U.S. intelligence assessments briefed to Congress February 5 characterised remarks as "systematic campaign" rather than isolated comments.
Impact on Ongoing Bilateral Agreements
State Department confirmed F-35 delivery schedule unaffected, with first Polish aircraft arriving Poznań-Łask Air Base March 2026. $8 billion Abrams tank deal proceeds per 2025 contract. Joint Victor Europe exercises scheduled April 2026 maintain full scope.
USAID programmes totalling $450 million annually reroute through prime minister's development ministry. Pentagon European Command liaison offices bypass Sejm defence committee chaired by Hołownia allies.
European Union and NATO Reactions
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola urged dialogue during Strasbourg plenary. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called both leaders Thursday evening, stressing alliance unity. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed U.S. restraint toward Tusk government.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot offered mediation, citing similar past Franco-American tensions. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed solidarity with Poland during Berlin talks.
Hołownia's Political Background and Motivations
Szymon Hołownia, 49, won Sejm Marshal position November 2023 leading Third Way coalition (Polska 2050 and PSL). Former TV presenter leveraged centrist appeal for 14 percent national vote. Critics attribute Trump rhetoric to domestic positioning against PiS amid 2027 presidential race.
Hołownia maintains 65 percent personal approval per United Surveys February poll, leading PiS chairman Kaczyński by 22 points.
Congressional and White House Statements
Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch (R-ID) endorsed State Department action: "No ally insults our Commander-in-Chief without consequence." House Speaker Mike Johnson scheduled February 10 briefing on Poland relations.
President Trump reposted Risch statement on Truth Social, adding:
"Poland gets billions in aid - disrespect ends now."
Vice President JD Vance met Polish ambassador Friday, reiterating talking points.
Diplomatic Precedents and Comparisons
U.S. severed contacts with Turkish Justice Minister 2018 over pastor Brunson detention. Similar measures applied to Venezuelan assembly president 2019 following Maduro recognition challenge. Poland case marks first NATO parliamentary leader isolation.
State Department legal advisors confirmed action complies with Vienna Convention, preserving embassy functions.
Polish Media Coverage and Public Opinion
TVP Info and Do Rzeczy characterised U.S. response as "overreaction," polling 58 percent Poles view Hołownia favourably despite row. Gazeta Wyborcza editor Adam Michnik called for apology to safeguard arms deals.
Warsaw protest of 2,000 Hołownia supporters gathered Friday evening before Sejm, chanting "Free Speech."
Economic and Security Implications
Warsaw Stock Exchange defence sector dipped 1.2 percent Friday. PGZ Group CEO Sebastian Chwałek confirmed $2.5 billion U.S. contracts intact. Fort Trump permanent base at Łask proceeds per 2025 environmental approvals.
NATO Baltic Air Policing rotation continues Polish F-16s from Świdwin.
Next Steps and Potential Resolution Paths
State Department monitoring Hołownia statements through Sunday. Tusk scheduled White House call February 9. Sejm ethics committee debates PiS censure motion Monday.
U.S. embassy cultural exchanges and Fulbright programme exclusions reversed Friday afternoon.