ICYMI: Rep. Steube: “Trump’s Arctic Plan Pays Off; a Security Win in Greenland”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Study Committee Member Greg Steube (FL-17) is applauding President Trump’s landmark Greenland security deal in a new op-ed in the Washington Times.

As adversaries like China and Russia increase their activity in the Arctic, Greenland’s strategic location provides an opportunity for America to bolster its military presence in the region. Greenland is also home to significant deposits of critical minerals. The deal establishes a framework to expand America’s footprint in the Arctic region and restrict adversarial nations from establishing military bases or making investments on the island that would threaten American security and prosperity.

In the piece, Rep. Steube writes, “President Trump again recently proved that he is the dealmaker in chief — by securing a new security deal for Greenland. When Mr. Trump first raised his desire to renegotiate U.S. access to basing, overflight and other security parameters for the world’s largest island, those who disagreed accused him of wanting to invade NATO territory. Once again, the president’s style of negotiating has proved the critics wrong and has advanced American security interests.”

He continues, “Greenland is an epicenter of great power competition for several key reasons, including potential new shipping lanes around the island and space domain awareness afforded by both the latitude and lack of light pollution. The U.S. already has a presence on Greenland with Pituffik Space Base, which maintains critical capabilities such as early-warning systems for intercontinental ballistic missiles and plays a large role in transatlantic air traffic, hosting thousands of flights each year.”

Rep. Steube concludes, “Beyond its location, the island also holds vast supplies of the critical minerals needed for the economy of today and tomorrow. According to some reports, Greenland holds more than 35 of the 50 minerals our government deems critical. The final agreement signed on Sept. 22 by the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark will establish new architecture that will allow for greater American basing access and bar non-NATO nations from establishing their own bases or making investments on the island that threaten our security.”

Read the full op-ed here.