Trump strikes deal to buy Finnish icebreakers, build 7 more in Texas, Louisiana

President Donald Trump will host Finnish President Alexander Stubb at the White House on Thursday to sign a new icebreaker ship pact under which the Nordic nation will build four of the vessels, with seven more to be constructed in Texas and Louisiana.The Trump ⁠⁠administration said the deal will strengthen U.S. national security in the Arctic and counter China and Russia’s growing presence in the region. Icebreakers are specialized ships designed to navigate through ice-covered waters and the U.S. Coast Guard currently operates only two active Arctic security cutters.FROM ADMIRATION TO ALASKA