Polish voters delivered a jolt to the European political establishment this week, electing a conservative nationalist with ties to President Donald Trump—and putting Brussels on edge. Karol Nawrocki, of the Law and Justice Party (PiS), won a narrow but consequential victory over liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, securing 50.89% of the vote and reclaiming the presidency for Poland’s populist right.

The results mark a setback for globalist EU leaders and a sharp rebuke of the liberal agenda pushed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who had hoped to steer Poland closer to Brussels. Instead, Tusk now faces a presidency armed with veto power—one that will block his efforts to undo Poland’s near-total abortion ban, loosen migration policies, or push through progressive social changes.

Nawrocki, a devout Catholic and vocal critic of unchecked immigration, has promised to reduce migrant flows and uphold Poland’s traditional values. His party, PiS, previously governed from 2015 to 2023 and became known for rejecting EU quotas during the Syrian migrant crisis. Though they lost control of parliament to Tusk’s Civic Coalition last year, Nawrocki’s win signals a conservative resurgence—one that could frustrate EU ambitions to centralize authority in Brussels.

And in a nod to transatlantic alignment, Nawrocki made headlines in May by visiting the White House and posing with President Trump. The two exchanged pleasantries and signaled mutual respect, raising eyebrows among global elites. With this win, Trump can now count Poland as a reliable ally in Europe—one more skeptical of EU interference and more interested in sovereign control over borders, values, and military alignment.

The contrast between the two candidates was stark: Trzaskowski campaigned on closer ties to the EU, promoting progressive reforms and global integration, while Nawrocki focused on faith, family, and protecting national identity. Voters opted for the latter.

The political implications are enormous. With presidential veto power in hand, Nawrocki can effectively stonewall any liberal legislation passed by the Tusk government. Proposals to expand abortion access or codify same-sex partnerships into law are now dead on arrival.

Nawrocki’s presidency also puts Poland on a collision course with EU technocrats over issues like migration, energy, and judicial independence. Brussels has long eyed Poland as a key battleground in its struggle to enforce uniform standards across member states—often at the expense of local control. With Nawrocki in power, expect more pushback from Warsaw and more tension with EU leaders.

At home, Nawrocki’s victory restores momentum for the PiS movement. After losing parliamentary control, many wondered if the party’s populist moment had passed. This election proves otherwise. With strong backing from rural and religious voters, Nawrocki has reaffirmed that many Poles are not interested in surrendering their culture or sovereignty for bureaucratic dictates from Brussels.

His win also complicates EU efforts to present a united front on Ukraine. While not opposed to aiding Ukraine, Nawrocki and his party have voiced skepticism about the scope and cost of Polish involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. That could have ripple effects across NATO and the broader European security strategy.

So what’s next? A likely legislative gridlock in Warsaw—and rising friction between Poland and the EU. But for Trump, this win is a foreign policy bonus. Nawrocki’s Poland is poised to become a key partner in Trump’s second-term vision: a world of strong, sovereign nations rejecting globalist orthodoxy.

For now, Brussels may be fuming—but Warsaw just made its choice. And it’s a red one.