At a news conference on Tuesday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, United States President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, emphasizing the island’s critical role in American national security. Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on January 20, refused to rule out using military or economic pressure to achieve this goal, despite Denmark’s longstanding rejection of such proposals.

This is not the first time that Trump has expressed a desire to take control of Greenland, which hosts a U.S. military base. His interest in the island initially surfaced during his first term in office when he cancelled a trip to Copenhagen after Denmark rejected his offer to purchase Greenland. Trump’s remarks continue to stir international controversy, especially as the island's geopolitical significance grows.

Strategic Military Importance

Greenland's geographic location makes it an essential asset for the U.S. military. Positioned between North America and Europe, Greenland provides a strategic vantage point, particularly for missile defense and early-warning systems. The U.S. military has maintained a permanent presence at Thule Air Base, located in Greenland’s northwest, since World War II. The base plays a crucial role in monitoring Arctic airspace and tracking potential threats from Russia and China, making Greenland an integral part of U.S. defense strategy.

The U.S. has also shown interest in expanding its military presence in Greenland, particularly by placing radars in the waters connecting Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. These waters are key maritime routes for Russian and Chinese vessels, and controlling them would significantly enhance the U.S.’s ability to monitor military activity in the region.

Economic Value and Natural Resources

In addition to its military significance, Greenland is rich in natural resources, particularly rare earth minerals, which are vital for the production of high-tech devices, including batteries and electronics. A 2023 survey revealed that 25 of 34 minerals deemed “critical raw materials” by the European Commission are found in Greenland. This makes the island an economically valuable asset, especially as the global demand for green energy technologies and electronics continues to rise.

Despite its mineral wealth, Greenland’s economy is primarily based on its fishing industry, and the extraction of oil and gas is opposed by its Indigenous population. However, the island's natural resources remain a key point of interest for global powers, particularly the United States.

Historical Attempts by the U.S. to Purchase Greenland

The U.S. has historically expressed interest in Greenland, with multiple attempts to purchase the island. In 1867, following the purchase of Alaska from Russia, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward attempted to negotiate the acquisition of Greenland, but the deal never materialized. In 1946, U.S. President Harry S. Truman proposed purchasing Greenland for $100 million, an offer that was rejected by Denmark. The proposal remained classified for decades, only becoming public in 1991.

During World War II, the U.S. occupied Greenland after Nazi Germany invaded Denmark, establishing a military presence on the island. Since then, the U.S. has maintained a permanent military presence at Thule Air Base, which continues to be a vital part of the U.S. defense infrastructure in the Arctic region.

Trump’s Recent Remarks and Visit to Greenland

Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., arrived in Greenland on Tuesday, though the Greenland government stated that he was visiting "as a private individual" and that Greenland’s representatives would not be meeting with him. Despite this, Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Monday, writing: “I am hearing that the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA’,” referring to the Make America Great Again movement.

Trump further commented, "Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside world." These remarks have sparked tensions and raised concerns about the future of Greenland’s sovereignty.

Global Reaction

Trump’s statements have drawn widespread criticism, particularly from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Trump’s rhetoric, stressing that borders should not be moved by force. “This principle applies to every country, whether in the East or the West,” Scholz wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed these sentiments, stating that the EU would not tolerate any nation attempting to alter sovereign borders by force. Experts warn that any attempt by the U.S. to acquire Greenland could severely damage relations between the U.S. and the European Union and could lead to a collapse of the current international order, including NATO.

Nina Nissen, an expert from the Europa think tank, said that such a move would likely represent a “fundamental rupture” in transatlantic relations. She emphasized the importance of preserving stability and downplaying the likelihood of any real threat to Greenland’s sovereignty.