Thomas Rose, a prominent businessman and conservative commentator, has been appointed by President Donald Trump as the new U.S. Ambassador to Poland, succeeding Mark Brzezinski who concluded his mission on January 20, 2024. Trump hailed Rose as the right choice, stating, "Thomas is a respected businessman and commentator who led a successful radio program on Sirius XM for nearly a decade and served as the publisher and CEO of The Jerusalem Post. He will make sure our interests are represented in Poland and will always put America first."
Rose expressed his gratitude for the nomination, saying he is "deeply honored" by the trust placed in him by Trump. He detailed his commitment to promoting and defending American interests as well as those of the president, pledging to work diligently if his confirmation by the U.S. Senate is successful. Rose's affiliation with conservative talk show formats, such as the Bauer & Rose Show, has kept him at the forefront of political discourse.
Throughout his career, Rose has held various significant roles, previously serving as chief strategist and senior advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence. He is also noted for being one of Pence's closest confidants, according to Jewish Insider. A detailed examination of Rose's background reveals his staunch conservative values, with the publication Indianapolis Monthly describing him as "a fiery conservative, ardent Zionist, and Orthodox Jew."
Rose's commentary on international affairs has often placed him at odds with the prevailing sentiments of the Polish government, particularly under Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Recently, he criticized Tusk for threatening the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the upcoming 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Simultaneously, Rose praised Polish President Andrzej Duda for advocating on behalf of Netanyahu, stating, "Congratulations to Andrzej Duda for preventing a rift between the U.S. and Poland and standing up for Poland by convincing Donald Tusk to reverse this terrible decision."
His outspoken positions extend to various international matters, including support for Ukraine amid the tensions with Russia, where he has refuted the claims made by some political figures, including Trump, stating the war was provoked by NATO.
Reactions to Rose's nomination have been mixed among Polish politicians. Grzegorz Schetyna, a notable senator, remarked on Rose's anticipated diplomatic approach, hoping for constructive engagement, stating, "I believe he will portray Poland positively, and we await a good and open representative of Washington's diplomacy."
Schetyna highlighted the importance of U.S.-Poland relations for Trump, especially if he aims to collaborate with the European Union, emphasizing Poland's military spending as part of this dynamic. He expressed optimism about potential cooperation between the new ambassador and the Polish government, noting the need to navigate political realities effectively.
Separately, Rose's criticism of domestic media changes and his historical insights often capture attention. He contested claims by NBC journalist Andrea Mitchell who inaccurately stated the involvement of Polish underground authorities during the suppression of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, clarifying their role as resistors against Nazi Germany.
Rose's extensive experience include his role as the publisher of the "Jerusalem Post" from 1997 to 2005, his work as a journalist for Japanese television, and authoring the book "Big Miracle," which depicted the harrowing rescue of whales trapped beneath Arctic ice and later adapted for film.
This appointment occurs at a time when U.S.-Poland relations are of utmost importance, especially concerning regional security issues and economic collaboration. With global politics continuing to evolve, the role of the ambassador is pivotal for both nations, ensuring their interests are aligned.
Thomas Rose's nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Poland opens the door for renewed conversations about bilateral ties, trade, and international cooperation. With his history and strong opinions, Rose is likely to steer discussions shaping the future course of U.S.-Poland relations amid changing geopolitical landscapes.