On Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump wrote on social media website Truth Social,
“For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland underscores the island’s geopolitical and economic significance.
As the world’s largest island, Greenland is rich in resources like gold, silver, copper, uranium, and untapped oil reserves.
Its strategic location near the Arctic provides access to shipping lanes and potential dominance in an increasingly competitive region.
This aligns with Trump’s broader vision of enhancing US national security and energy independence, which he highlighted while announcing his choice of Ken Howery as the new US ambassador to Denmark.
I am deeply humbled and honored by @realDonaldTrump’s announcement that he will nominate me to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark. Representing our great nation abroad is a profound responsibility. I know first-hand the power of diplomacy to advance…
Greenland’s autonomy, while under Denmark’s sovereignty, complicates any purchase attempts.
The island operates with self-rule, managing domestic affairs such as education, healthcare, and resource management, while Denmark oversees defence and foreign relations.
The Arctic’s prominence in global politics has grown as nations vie for control, with Russia already pushing territorial claims close to Greenland.
Trump’s proposed acquisition would assert US influence over these contested waters.
Trump and Greenland: not the first time
Trump’s interest in Greenland is not a new development, as the President-elect had previously expressed a desire to control the territory during his first term from 2017 to 2021.
In 2019, Trump voiced his intention to purchase Greenland, citing the country’s natural resources and strategic geopolitical position as key attractions.
However, his proposal faced strong opposition from Danish leaders, with then Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserting that “Greenland was not for sale.”
In retaliation, Trump canceled a scheduled meeting with Frederiksen in Denmark due to her comments regarding the proposed Greenland deal.
US interest in Greenland spans decades
The US has a history of pursuing Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the territory.
Interest dates back even further to 1867, illustrating a consistent view of Greenland as a valuable asset.
Historically, the US has made significant land acquisitions, including Alaska from Russia and the Louisiana Territory from France.
These purchases not only expanded US territory but also boosted its strategic and economic standing.
Trump’s ambitions for Greenland mirror these historical deals, but modern complexities—such as climate change, Arctic politics, and Greenlandic autonomy—pose challenges.
The island’s home-rule government has resisted such overtures, backed by Denmark’s firm stance against selling.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede remains committed to the island’s sovereignty, making the prospect of a US purchase highly contentious.
A revived strategy for energy and security dominance
Trump’s focus on Greenland isn’t solely about resources; it’s also about reshaping US influence globally.
Control of Greenland could fortify the US position in the Arctic, enabling better oversight of emerging shipping routes as ice melts due to climate change.
These routes could rival traditional ones like the Panama Canal, where Trump recently demanded lower transit fees for US ships, showcasing his broader agenda of securing US interests in critical regions.
The Arctic’s energy potential is another draw. Greenland’s waters are believed to harbour significant oil reserves, which align with Trump’s “America First” energy strategy.
Ownership of these resources would reduce reliance on foreign oil and bolster domestic energy markets.
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