Polish President Andrzej Duda asked President Trump to construct a permanent U.S. military base in his country to deter Russia, publicly suggesting that it be named “Fort Trump.”
“I would very much like for us to set up a permanent American base in Poland, which we would call Fort Trump, and I firmly believe this is possible,” Duda said Tuesday during a joint press conference at the White House.
Trump did not endorse the request, but said Duda offered to pay for the base, making a the idea more attractive.
“The president offered us much more than $2 billion to do this,” Trump said. “So we are looking at it. We are looking at it from the standpoint of, No. 1, military protection for both countries, and also cost.”
Duda said that he would like the U.S. base to serve as a deterrent against Russia, citing recent wars involving Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government and the former Soviet nations of Ukraine and Georgia.
“Poland is an attractive country and, first and foremost, it’s got a very strategic location in Europe,” Duda said.
Trump said that he understood Duda’s desire for a deterrent against Russia.
“I think it’s a very aggressive situation. I think Russia has acted aggressively. They respect force. They respect strength, as anyone does. And we have the greatest strength in the world, especially now,” Trump said.
He added: “You look at the history of Poland and Russia, that’s a long and very complicated history and [Duda] certainly has a right to feel that way.”
[Also read: Trump eyes Poland’s energy market as hedge against Russia]
