Poland accuses US of political interference over visa granted to ex-Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro

Poland has accused the United States of political interference after Washington granted a Schengen visa from USA to former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, a move that has sharpened tensions between the two allies. The controversy erupted on May 23, 2026, as Polish officials questioned why the former senior politician was allowed entry amid ongoing legal and political scrutiny at home.

Warsaw’s criticism centers on what it says is an improper foreign intervention in domestic affairs, with officials arguing that the visa decision could undermine Poland’s judicial process. The case has quickly become a flashpoint in Poland’s broader debate over rule of law and international pressure, with the Schengen visa from USA now at the center of a diplomatic dispute.

The U.S. has not publicly commented in detail on the matter, but the episode is likely to fuel further friction between the two governments. Ziobro, a prominent and polarizing figure in Polish politics, remains under intense attention as Poland weighs the political fallout of the visa grant and its implications for bilateral relations.