Trump: U.S. to Consider Establishing Permanent Military Base in Lithuania

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would consider establishing a permanent military base in Lithuania.

He made the statement in response to a question from a reporter for Lithuania’s public broadcaster, LRT.

Lithuania’s prime minister previously stated that the country was ready to cover the costs of hosting U.S. troops and provide the necessary facilities and conditions for a permanent U.S. military presence.

“We will definitely consider it. I know many people in Lithuania. They are wonderful people,” Trump said when asked about Vilnius’ proposal to host a permanent U.S. military base.

In late September, Lithuania’s defense minister also asked U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby to consider replacing the current rotational deployment of U.S. troops with a permanent U.S. military presence in Lithuania.

U.S. troops are currently stationed in Lithuania on a rotational basis. Two U.S. battalions are expected to arrive at the end of October, while the nine-month rotation schedule will remain in place.

Militarnyi previously reported that Lithuania is already developing infrastructure to support a long-term U.S. military presence, particularly at the Pabradė training range, where U.S. units are stationed.