WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Thursday that major progress had been made towards establishing a permanent American military base in Poland, as Warsaw and Washington continue discussions on expanding defence cooperation.
Trump said the potential base would represent a historic step for the US-Polish alliance, adding that the location would be announced soon if the plan moves forward.
Base Talks Advance
“Thanks to the bold leadership of my friend, Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland, major progress is being made toward establishing a U.S. Army base in Poland,” Trump said in a social media post.
GREAT NEWS! Thanks to the bold leadership of my friend, Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland, major progress is being made toward establishing a U.S. Army base in Poland. If this happens, the location will be announced very soon. This will be a historic step for our Great… pic.twitter.com/nFtNH8IYJD
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) September 17, 2026
Polish President Karol Nawrocki said Warsaw remained committed to strengthening defence ties with Washington and would work to provide a suitable location for a US Army base.
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Poland’s deputy defence minister Pawel Zalewski said in August that discussions with the United States on a permanent military presence had already moved beyond the initial stage.
Eastern Flank Security
Poland, a NATO and European Union member, borders both Ukraine and Russia and has increased defence spending in recent years. The country currently hosts nearly 10,000 US troops, although most are deployed on a rotational basis.
“GREAT NEWS! Thanks to the bold leadership of my friend, Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland, major progress is being made toward establishing a U.S. Army base in Poland…” – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/mcKbtnyxff
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 17, 2026
Warsaw has sought a larger and more permanent US military presence as part of efforts to strengthen security on NATO’s eastern flank.
Trump’s announcement comes as his administration reviews the US military presence in Europe, creating uncertainty among some allies over possible changes to American troop deployments.
NATO Defence Debate
The issue also comes amid wider discussions over defence spending within NATO. Washington has criticised some European allies over military contributions and has called for greater burden-sharing.
At the NATO summit in The Hague last year, alliance members agreed to increase security spending, with a target of allocating five percent of GDP by 2035, including 3.5 percent for core military expenditure.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that countries failing to meet agreed commitments could face pressure over their contributions to the alliance.
