US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed a desire to make Greenland part of the United States, even suggesting that military or economic pressure could be used to convince Denmark to relinquish control of the mineral-rich island, which holds strategic importance.
“Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. “This is a deal that must happen,” he emphasized on Tuesday, the day his son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland privately.
Trump first proposed purchasing the mostly ice-covered island, home to just 57,000 people, from Denmark in 2019 but was met with a firm rejection.
Why Does Trump Want Greenland?
Greenland holds significant strategic value for the US, especially in terms of military importance and its role in the ballistic missile early-warning system, as the shortest route between Europe and North America passes through the Arctic island. The US military maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik air base in Greenland’s northwest and has expressed interest in expanding its presence with additional radars to monitor waters between Greenland, Iceland, and Britain—important routes for Russian navy vessels and nuclear submarines.
Ulrik Pram Gad, a senior researcher on Greenland at the Danish Institute for International Studies, explains that the island’s geographical proximity to North America makes it crucial for the US to prevent any other major powers from gaining a foothold there. In addition to its strategic military importance, Greenland is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas, though development has been slow. A 2023 survey found that 25 of 34 critical minerals used in industries like battery production and electric vehicles are found in Greenland.
However, Greenland has banned the extraction of oil and natural gas for environmental reasons, and its mining sector has faced opposition and bureaucratic delays. This has kept its economy reliant on fishing, which accounts for over 95% of exports, and subsidies from Denmark, which covers about half of the public budget. Denmark spends nearly $1 billion annually on Greenland.
Who Owns Greenland and Could Trump Buy It?
Greenland has been a part of Denmark for over 600 years but governs most of its domestic affairs as a semi-sovereign territory. Since 1953, it has been subject to Denmark’s constitution, meaning any change to its status would require a constitutional amendment. In 2009, Greenland gained broad self-governing autonomy and has the right to seek independence through a referendum.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has been a strong advocate for independence, consistently asserting that the island is not for sale and that its people should determine their future.
In 2019, both Greenland and Denmark rejected Trump’s offer to purchase the island. Historically, the US had previously sought to buy Greenland during the Cold War under President Harry Truman for $100 million in gold, but Denmark declined.
What if Greenland Becomes Independent?
Should Greenland achieve independence, it might opt to enter into a “free association” with the United States, similar to the status of Pacific island nations like the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. While most Greenlanders favor independence, many question the viability of full independence, given their reliance on Denmark’s economic support.
Ulrik Pram Gad suggests that Greenland will likely not pursue independence without ensuring its people’s welfare.
What Does Greenland Want?
While a majority of Greenlanders support independence, opinions are divided on the timing and its impact on living standards. Since 2019, Greenlandic politicians have expressed interest in strengthening cooperation and trade with the US, but Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of Denmark’s parliament, firmly rejected the idea of a US takeover, calling it “Trump’s hot dreams of expanding his empire.”
What Does Denmark Say?
Denmark’s response to Trump’s renewed interest comes amid rising tensions with Greenland, fueled by revelations of historical misconduct by Denmark as a colonial power. In 2019, Denmark firmly rejected Trump’s offer to buy Greenland, calling it “absurd,” with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen voicing strong disapproval. In response to Trump’s latest remarks, Frederiksen reiterated Denmark’s need for close cooperation with the US but stressed that it is Greenland’s right to determine its future.
