US President-elect Donald Trump expresses interest in acquiring Greenland
President-elect Donald Trump has once again voiced his desire to make Greenland a part of the United States, stating he would not rule out using military or economic measures to persuade Denmark to hand over the resource-rich and strategically important island.
“Greenland is an incredible place, and its people will greatly benefit if, and when, it becomes part of our nation,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday.
“This is a deal that must happen,” he reiterated on Tuesday, coinciding with a private visit by his son, Donald Trump Jr., to Greenland.
Trump initially showed interest in purchasing the mostly ice-covered island with a population of just 57,000 from Denmark in 2019, but the offer was rejected.
Why Does Trump Want Greenland?
Greenland, a member of NATO through Denmark, holds strategic military importance for the U.S., particularly for its ballistic missile early-warning system, as the shortest route between Europe and North America passes through the Arctic.
The U.S. military maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik Air Base in northwest Greenland and seeks to expand operations, including placing radars to monitor waters between Greenland, Iceland, and Britain—a critical gateway for Russian navy vessels and submarines.
Geographically part of the North American continent, Greenland is vital for the U.S. to prevent rival powers from establishing a foothold there. The island is also rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas. A 2023 survey identified 25 of 34 critical raw materials used in batteries, electric vehicles, and wind turbines.
Despite these resources, Greenland’s economy heavily relies on fishing, making up over 95% of exports, and Denmark’s annual subsidies, which cover half of its public budget. Environmental restrictions and indigenous opposition have hindered resource development.
Who Owns Greenland, and Could Trump Buy It?
Greenland has been part of Denmark for over 600 years but enjoys self-governing autonomy as a semi-sovereign territory. It became a formal territory of Denmark in 1953 and gained the right to declare independence via referendum in 2009.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, a proponent of independence, has consistently stated that the island is not for sale and that its future lies in the hands of its people.
Denmark, a close NATO ally of the U.S., firmly rejected Trump’s 2019 offer to buy the island, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labeling the idea “absurd.”
What If Greenland Becomes Independent?
If Greenland declares independence, it could explore a free association pact with the U.S., similar to the arrangements between the U.S. and Pacific island nations like Micronesia. However, such a move depends on ensuring economic stability for its population.
While most Greenlanders favor independence, there are concerns about its impact on living standards, given the island’s reliance on Denmark’s financial support.
Greenland and Denmark’s Response
Greenlandic politicians have shown interest in strengthening cooperation with the U.S., but outright rejection of a U.S. takeover remains firm. Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament, dismissed Trump’s interest, saying, “We don’t want to be pawns in Trump’s dreams of expanding his empire.”
Denmark’s Prime Minister Frederiksen reiterated the importance of U.S.-Danish cooperation but emphasized that Greenland’s future lies solely in the hands of its people.
