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Story summary
- President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January 2025 to enhance mineral production and approved the Ambler Road Project to prioritize Arctic national security.
- In October 2025, he authorized Arctic Security Cutters to bolster U.S. presence in the region.
- However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's review of the 8(a) Business Development Program threatens operational readiness in Alaska, where local contractors support defense infrastructure.
- This misalignment raises concerns about the U.S. Arctic posture amid increasing competition from Russia and China.
