Poland's President Andrzej Duda announced Tuesday that the United States has reaffirmed its pledge to maintain troop levels along NATO's eastern flank. The declaration comes as Duda revived plans for a permanent U.S. military base — dubbed 'Fort Trump' — first proposed during Donald Trump's presidency. This move seeks to solidify Washington's security commitments amid ongoing Russian threats.
Duda revealed the assurances following meetings with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Keith Kellogg, emphasizing:
There are zero concerns about reduced U.S. presence here. America remains fully committed to regional security.
Currently, 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Poland — a number that surged after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Key factors driving Poland's push include:
- Deterring further Russian territorial ambitions
- Maintaining NATO unity in Eastern Europe
- Leveraging Poland’s 4% GDP defense spending — among NATO's highest
The 'Fort Trump' proposal initially surfaced in 2018 but gained new urgency as U.S. priorities shift. While the Pentagon hasn't confirmed base plans, Hegseth reportedly hinted at expanding America's military footprint. Polish officials argue this enhanced presence could accelerate peace negotiations in Ukraine, with Duda praising Trump's decisive approachto conflict resolution.
Analysts suggest Warsaw's strategy balances two fronts:
1) Addressing domestic concerns about U.S. reliability under potential Trump leadership
2) Positioning Poland as NATO's frontline advocate against Moscow
As Duda assured citizens, The situation is under control. Every decision prioritizes building lasting peace.However, skeptics note that permanent bases require Congressional approval — a complex hurdle during an election year.
