Memorandum on Safeguarding United States National Interests in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions

On June 8, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential memorandum titled "Memorandum on Safeguarding United States National Interests in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions." This action directs executive branch agencies to develop and execute a program to acquire a fleet of polar security icebreakers, intended to be operationally tested and fully deployable by Fiscal Year 2029. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with other agencies, is tasked with leading a review of the requirements for this program. The memorandum also directs a study on the benefits and risks of a fleet mix that includes at least three heavy polar-class security cutters, which must be submitted within 60 days.

This memorandum primarily affects several executive branch agencies, including the Departments of State, Defense, Commerce, Energy, and Homeland Security, as well as the Office of Management and Budget. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is specifically mentioned, with a directive to ensure its Offshore Patrol Cutter acquisition program is not negatively impacted. The overall goal is to ensure a persistent United States presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

This memorandum is a routine administrative tool, grounded in the President's Article II authority to direct executive branch operations, used to guide agencies on priorities and implementation procedures. It aims to help protect U.S. national interests and retain a strong Arctic security presence alongside allies and partners. The new fleet of icebreakers and associated assets is intended to ensure a persistent United States presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions in support of national interests, including national security and defense strategies, and in

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