In a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, US President-elect Donald Trump once again expressed his ambition to acquire Greenland, calling it critical to American national security. The Republican leader, set to be inaugurated on January 20, declined to rule out the use of military or economic power to achieve this goal of taking control of the autonomous Danish territory, Al Jazeera reports.
Trump has previously stated his desire to make Canada the 51st US state and seize the Panama Canal, indicating a broader vision of US territorial expansion. His renewed interest in Greenland raises questions about the future of the Arctic island and its relationship with both Denmark and the United States.
Greenland: Strategic Arctic Territory
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is located between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans and is geographically part of North America. While it is a self-governing territory of Denmark, it also has close ties to the European Union. It is home to some 56,000 residents, mostly Indigenous Inuit people. The island’s capital, Nuuk, is geographically closer to New York than Copenhagen.
Greenland gained self-governing status in 1979 and has the right to declare independence through a referendum since 2009. Prime Minister Mute Egede of Greenland has openly advocated for independence from Denmark. Since Denmark is a part of NATO, Greenland is also included as part of the alliance by default. While not an EU member, Greenland is associated with the bloc and its citizens are considered EU citizens.
Reactions to Trump’s Ambitions
Trump’s comments have provoked strong reactions from both Greenland and Denmark. On December 23, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that “the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede responded that the island is not for sale.
The Danish government has announced a $1.5 billion boost to defense spending in Greenland following Trump’s statements. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has declared that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” and Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has emphasized the island’s lack of interest in becoming a US state.
Why Does Trump Want Greenland?
This is not the first time Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, and the island holds significant strategic and economic value. Greenland provides the shortest route between North America and Europe, giving the U.S. a strategic advantage for its military and its missile early-warning systems. The US has expressed interest in expanding its military presence in the region to monitor Russian and Chinese vessels.
Furthermore, Greenland is rich in minerals, including rare earth minerals critical for battery production and other high-tech industries. A 2023 survey found 25 out of 34 minerals considered critical by the European Commission in Greenland.
Historical US Interest in Greenland
The US has a long history of interest in acquiring Greenland. In 1867, after purchasing Alaska from Russia, the US attempted to buy Greenland from Russia as well. The US also occupied Greenland during World War II and has maintained a military presence since. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered to buy Greenland for $100 million, an offer that was rejected by Denmark.
Trump Jr.’s Greenland Visit
Adding to the controversy, Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland this week. While the Greenland government said he was there “as a private individual” and did not meet with him, Trump Sr. took to Truth Social to claim that the people of Greenland were “MAGA” and that they would benefit from joining the U.S.
Global Reactions
Trump’s recent statements have drawn criticism from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that “borders must not be moved by force,” and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot declared that the EU would not let any nation attack its sovereign borders.
Nissen warned that if Trump’s threat were to materialize, it could represent a fundamental rupture in US-EU relations and potentially lead to “the collapse of the current international order.”
