Lithuania Offers to Pay for a Permanent U.S. Base. America Should Say Yes
Lithuania's parliament moved to lift its ban on foreign bases, and its prime minister offered to cover the cost. No decision has been made. In our view, it is burden sharing in action and deserves a serious yes.
By Clara Hughes
ALTAS WORLD NEWS OPINION | By Clara Hughes, Chief Opinion Editor | October 7, 2026 | 5-min read For years, President Trump told America's allies to stop free-riding and start paying for their own defense. This week, one small ally on Russia's border answered in the clearest way possible. Lithuania's prime minister said his country is ready to cover the cost of a permanent U.S. military base [1]. The same day, Lithuania's parliament voted 106 to 18 to begin removing a constitutional ban on foreign bases and weapons of mass destruction [2][3]. Asked about a permanent base on Monday, President Trump called Lithuanians "friends of mine" and said, "we will certainly look at it" [1][3]. In our view, this is the kind of deal America First was built for, and Washington should take it seriously. Key Takeaways Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius said Lithuania would pay to set up a permanent U.S. base if Washington agrees. He proposed it to Trump envoy John Coale last month [1]. No decision has been made. LRT reports the proposal went to the Pentagon about two weeks ago, and Lithuania's defense minister says "discussions are underway" [4]. Lithuania's Seimas passed the first reading of the amendment 106 to 18, with six abstentions. A final vote, needing 94 of 141 members, is scheduled for Jan. 12 [2][3]. Lithuanian officials stress there are currently