OPINION:
President Trump has once again proved that he is the dealmaker in chief by finalizing a defense agreement 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 negotiating style has proved the critics wrong and advanced American security interests.
The Arctic region is strategically critical to U.S. national security. It is no secret that our adversaries are expanding their operations in the Far North while the U.S. has focused its attention elsewhere. The Arctic is the last truly unconquered frontier, one that has been in a state of geopolitical stalemate for centuries.
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In recent years, Russia has begun a significant buildup in the region, with reports estimating that it operates several times as many permanent bases as the U.S. maintains there. China has also sought to establish a robust foothold in the Arctic. In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated his intention to make China a “polar great power.”
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 maintains a presence in Greenland via Pituffik Space Base, which operates early-warning systems for intercontinental ballistic missiles and plays a major role in trans-Atlantic air traffic, hosting thousands of flights each year.
Beyond its location, the island holds vast reserves of critical minerals needed for today’s and tomorrow’s economy. According to some reports, Greenland holds more than 35 of the 50 minerals our government deems critical.
The final agreement, signed Sept. 22 by the U.S., Denmark and Greenland, will establish a new architecture that will allow for greater American basing access and bar non-NATO and non-EU nations from establishing their own bases or making investments in sensitive sectors on the island.
The deal is being hailed by all the leaders involved. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a “historic agreement [that] permanently guarantees U.S. security interests in the Arctic at zero cost to the U.S. taxpayer.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it “strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic Area.”
Against the odds and over the loud objections of the Beltway class, Mr. Trump has once again proved that the U.S. can secure deals that put Americans first and advance global security. As Mr. Trump has long said, American interests and global security are not separate and should not be treated as such.
This agreement is a testament to the strength of our alliances and partnerships, and it will provide for the common defense for decades to come.
• Rep. Greg Steube, Florida Republican, is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
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