Trump: U.S. 'very seriously' considering a permanent base in Poland

President Trump said today the United States is "very seriously" considering establishing a permanent military base in Poland.

"Well, we're looking at it very seriously," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I know Poland likes the idea very much and it's something that we are considering, yes."

Polish President Andrzej Duda told reporters at the White House he has asked Trump to establish the base and would like to possibly name it after the American president.

"For me it's the most important, and I hope that we will build Ft. Trump in Poland together," Duda said.

Poland for several years has lobbied the U.S. government to permanently station American troops to deter Russian military activity on its eastern border. Approximately 3,000 U.S. troops are currently based in Poland on a rotational basis.

Trump said he especially likes the idea of a permanent base because Poland has offered to contribute financially.

"Poland is willing to make a very major contribution for the United States to come in and have a presence in Poland, and certainly it's something we'll discuss," he said. "If they're willing to do that, it's something we will certainly talk about."

Congress is also interested in potentially establishing a permanent U.S. military presence in Poland as the FY-19 National Defense Authorization Act requires a Pentagon report on the feasibility of stationing a brigade combat team there, as well an assessment of actions Russia might take in response.