OPINION:
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.
The Arctic region is strategically critical to U.S. national security. It is no secret that our adversaries are expanding their missions in the great north while the U.S. has focused attention on other areas of the world. 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 build-up in the region, with reports estimating that it operates several times the number of permanent bases 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 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.
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 between 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.
The deal is being hailed by all the leaders involved, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it a “historic agreement [that] permanently guarantees U.S. security interests in the Arctic at zero cost to the U.S. taxpayer” and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen saying that 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 proved once again that the U.S. can secure deals that put Americans first and provide for global security. As Mr. Trump has long said, the two 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 is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He represents Florida’s 17th Congressional District.
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