Trump Tells UN Cuba Aids US Communist Networks, Touts Greenland Security Deal
Trump used his UN General Assembly speech to deny US weapons shortages, accuse Cuba of backing communist networks, and promote a Greenland security agreement.
US President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to reject claims that American weapons stockpiles are running low, accuse Cuba of supporting communist networks inside the United States, and promote a security agreement with Denmark over Greenland.
Speaking at the annual gathering of world leaders, Trump dismissed suggestions that the US military is short on advanced weapons because of the ongoing war with Iran. "We have more munitions than we could ever possibly even think of using, and we're building them at levels that we have never done before," he said.
Experts and allies have disputed that assessment. Weapons stockpiles are diminishing, they say, and it could take years to replenish Tomahawk cruise missiles along with Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors. The depleted inventories have raised alarm in Europe, where US and NATO officials have described the shortage of missile interceptors as "beyond critical." Saudi Arabia is also running low on interceptors and has sought help from allies.
On Cuba, Trump said the island nation had spent "decades coordinating with left-wing radicals and Communist networks here in the United States." The accusation comes as the president, facing low approval ratings, argues that many top Democrats are aligned with communists — a line he hopes can lift Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump has long suggested that Cuba's communist government could collapse without US intervention, though his administration has largely not turned its full attention to the island while the war in Iran continues.
The president also hailed his agreement with Denmark over Greenland, saying it gives the US "permanent control over security and all other needs" in the semi-autonomous territory. He said the deal, due to be signed later on Tuesday, means "we will immediately begin the process of developing a large military presence in the appropriate locations," including "building two very major military bases."
While the US already maintains a significant military presence in Greenland, Trump said the agreement would expand "America's footprint in the Arctic and North Atlantic."