In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland, which has left European allies feeling wary. This announcement, made late Thursday, comes after a tumultuous three weeks where Trump threatened to withdraw troops from Europe, creating uncertainty in the trans-Atlantic alliance. European officials, while welcoming the troop deployment, remain cautious. They perceive this as a temporary reversal rather than a commitment to a sustained U.S. presence. Mark Rutte, NATO's secretary general, acknowledged the announcement but stressed that Europe must continue its trajectory towards military self-reliance. He indicated that a more self-sufficient Europe would enable the U.S. to pivot to other global priorities, which could also align with European interests. This situation has galvanized discussions among European leaders about the need for increased military capabilities independent of U.S. support, reflecting a growing sentiment that the continent must prepare for a future with less American military involvement.