Greenland, the world’s largest island, has become the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war. Its vast mineral wealth and strategic Arctic location have drawn intense interest from the United States, with President Donald Trump reigniting calls to acquire the island. As part of this ongoing engagement, US Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland on Thursday (March 27), despite the trip being uninvited. US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is also expected to travel there this week, further fueling speculation about Washington’s intentions.
According to the White House, Usha Vance will attend Greenland’s national dogsled race and “celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity.” However, Mike Waltz’s agenda remains unclear. The visit has drawn sharp criticism, with Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B. Egede calling the move “highly aggressive.”
In response to the backlash, the White House defended the visit, stating, “This is a visit to learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people and to attend a dogsled race the United States is proud to sponsor, plain and simple.” However, many believe the US has much larger ambitions for Greenland.
Who Rules Greenland?
Denmark has controlled Greenland for over three centuries. However, the island has gradually gained autonomy over the years:
– In 1979, Greenland attained home rule following a referendum.
– The 2009 Act on Greenland Self-Government further expanded its autonomy, granting it control over domestic affairs such as policing, courts,
and the coast guard.
– Despite this autonomy, Denmark continues to oversee Greenland’s foreign policy and security.
– This complex governance structure means that any potential acquisition or political agreement involving Greenland would require consent from
both Denmark and Greenland’s self-ruling parliament.
Why Does the US Want Greenland?
Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized that acquiring Greenland is key to securing US national security and economic interests. The reasons for this interest include:
– Military and Defense: Greenland’s location between Europe and North America makes it a crucial asset for US defense. With rising Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic, Washington sees Greenland as a strategic foothold.
– Economic Potential: Melting ice has made Greenland’s vast mineral resources, including rare earth minerals, more accessible. This has attracted global mining companies—and Donald Trump’s attention.
– Climate Change and Trade Routes: Warming temperatures are opening new Arctic trade routes, increasing Greenland’s economic and strategic importance.
The US already maintains a military presence in Greenland through Thule Air Base, established during the Cold War. Full control over Greenland would allow Washington to enhance its air, naval, and space operations in the Arctic.
Can the US Acquire Greenland?
Despite Donald Trump’s ambitions, acquiring Greenland would face significant legal, political, and diplomatic hurdles. Historically, Denmark has rejected US offers to buy the island:
– In 1946, US President Harry Truman offered $100 million (equivalent to over $1 billion today) to buy Greenland, but Denmark refused.
– In 2019, Donald Trump proposed buying Greenland, a move that was swiftly rebuffed by Denmark, which called the idea “absurd.”
Although outright acquisition is unlikely, Washington could explore alternative arrangements, such as a Compact of Free Association (COFA). Under this agreement, Greenland would remain self-governing but maintain close economic and defense ties with the US—similar to how the US interacts with Pacific island nations.
However, Greenland’s leadership has signaled a preference for full independence rather than US control. While Trump’s obsession with Greenland continues, turning his ambition into reality remains a distant prospect.
