With less than two weeks until his inauguration, US President-elect Donald Trump has caused controversy again as he reaffirmed his desire to acquire Greenland. Speaking at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago on January 7, Trump reiterated how Greenland is crucial to American national security and wouldn’t rule out military action to get his objective.
“Not that I can promise you either of those two,” Trump responded when asked what he intended to do about Greenland and the Panama Canal. “But I can tell you this, we need them for economic security.”Ironically, Trump‘s son, Donald Trump Jr., was seen wandering around Nuuk, Greenland‘s capital, passing out “Make Greenland Great Again“hats, masquerading as a tourist.
A Longstanding Fascination with Greenland
This isn‘t the first time that Trump expresses interest in buying Greenland. He has been saying for years that the island has strategic and economic value. Last Christmas, he captioned a social media post saying, “Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation.” His interest in Greenland goes way back to 2019 when, as a former president, he said that taking the island was very strategic for the US.
The United States‘ interest in Greenland dates back to a long time. In 1946, Washington proposed to Denmark to buy the island for $100 million in gold. Earlier still, in 1867, President Andrew Johnson even considered purchasing Greenland and Iceland for $5.5 million in gold.
Why Greenland Matters to Trump and the US
Greenland’s strategic location and natural resources make it highly coveted. The island, three times the size of Texas, is rich in minerals such as coal, zinc, copper, and rare earth elements essential for high-end military and green energy technologies. Additionally, its geographical position offers the US a key vantage point for monitoring Arctic shipping routes and repelling potential threats from adversaries like Russia and China.
Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland also aligns with his “America First” policy, which prioritises national security and economic dominance. Experts believe Greenland could serve as a stronghold to counter China’s increasing presence in the Arctic.
Denmark and Greenland Respond
Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected Trump’s aspirations. Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede took to Facebook to assert the island’s independence, stating, “Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland. Our future and fight for independence is our business.”
Denmark’s monarchy also emphasised Greenland’s sovereignty by unveiling a new coat of arms that prominently features the island’s symbol, a polar bear. This move underscores Denmark’s commitment to preserving Greenland’s status within its realm.
A Global Spotlight on Trump’s Foreign Policy
Trump’s comments on Greenland have reignited discussions about his foreign policy approach. As his inauguration nears, the world watches closely, anticipating whether his administration will pursue these controversial ambitions or focus on fostering international cooperation.
