Polish president floats ‘Fort Trump’ name for proposed US military base

The president of Poland on Tuesday floated naming a proposed U.S. military base in his country “Fort Trump.”

“I said that I would very much f or us to set up permanent American bases in Poland, which we would call Fort Trump,” Polish President Andrzej Duda said through a translator during a joint press conference with Trump on Tuesday.

Polish Pres. Duda says he told President Trump that he “would very much like for us to set up permanent American bases in Poland, which we would call Fort Trump … I firmly believe that this is possible.” pic.twitter.com/VrERQGqkm2

— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 18, 2018

Poland has offered to pay $2 billion for a permanent U.S. military base in its country as a buttress against a resurgent Russia.

Right now, U.S. troops have a rotational presence in Poland. Supporters of having a permanent presence argue it would send a stronger message to Russia than the rotational troops.

The annual defense policy bill signed into law last month requires the Pentagon to assess the feasibility and advisability of a permanent military base in Poland.

On Tuesday, Trump said he is “very seriously” considering Poland’s proposal.

“We’re looking at it very seriously,” Trump said ahead of his meeting with Duda. “I know Poland likes the idea very much. And it’s something that we are considering, yes.”

In the joint press conference with Duda, Trump added that he shares Duda’s view on Russian aggression.

“I think it’s a very aggressive situation. I think Russia has acted aggressively,” Trump said. “I am with the president. I feel that he is right, and I feel that, look you look at the history of Poland and Russia, that’s a long and very complicated history, so [he] certainly has a right to feel that way.”

Trump also said Duda offered “much more” than $2 billion to build the base in Poland, without elaborating.

“So we are looking at it,” he said. “We are looking at it from the standpoint of, No. 1, military protection for both countries, and also cost.”

Duda argued it is in both U.S. and Polish interests to have a permanent U.S. military base there. 

“Poland is an attractive country,” he said, “and first and foremost, it’s got a very strategic location in Europe.”