What makes Trump desire Greenland, and is he likely to succeed?

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has stated his desire to incorporate Greenland into the United States and has not ruled out using economic or military force to persuade Denmark to cede the strategically significant and mineral-rich island.

Trump stated in a Truth Social post on Monday that “Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation.”

Trump declared, “This is a deal that must happen,” during his son Donald Trump Jr.’s private visit to Greenland on Tuesday.

In 2019, Trump initially showed interest in purchasing the mostly ice-covered island, which is home to only 57,000 people, from Denmark, but was turned down.

TRUMP WANT GREENLAND, BUT WHY?

Since the Arctic Island is the quickest path from Europe to North America, Greenland, which is a member of NATO through Denmark, is strategically important to the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early-warning system.

The Pituffik air base in the northwest of Greenland is home to a permanent U.S. military presence.

In order to keep an eye on the waterways between the island, Iceland, and Britain—a route for Russian naval ships and nuclear submarines—the United States has indicated interest in increasing its military presence there, including by deploying radars.

According to Ulrik Pram Gad, a senior researcher and Greenland expert at the Danish Institute for International Studies, the United States must stop any other big nations from gaining a footing on the island, which is physically part of the continent of North America.

The island is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas, but development has been sluggish. Its capital, Nuuk, is closer to New York than Copenhagen, Denmark.

25 out of 34 minerals that the European Commission considered “critical raw materials” were discovered in Greenland, according to a 2023 survey.

They include substantial amounts of lithium and graphite, two components used in batteries, as well as so-called rare earth elements utilized in wind turbines and electric cars.

For environmental concerns, Greenland has outlawed the exploitation of natural gas and oil, and the growth of its mining industry has been hampered by bureaucratic red tape and resistance from the local populace.

Due to this, Greenland’s economy has remained dependent on annual subsidies from Denmark, which make up over half of the state budget, and fishing, which accounts for more than 95% of exports.

Denmark spends little less than $1 billion annually in Greenland.

Could Trump purchase Greenland and who owns it?

Despite being a part of Denmark for nearly 600 years, Greenland is today a semi-sovereign state that has most of its own internal affairs under Danish rule.

It was officially recognized as a Danish territory in 1953 and is governed by the Danish constitution; hence, any modification to its legal status would need a constitutional revision.

The island was given extensive self-governing authority in 2009, which included the ability to hold a referendum to proclaim its independence from Denmark.

Prime Minister Mute Egede of Greenland, who has intensified his campaign for independence, has stated over and again that the island is not for sale and that its citizens should make the final decisions.

Trump’s recent comments are expected to dominate Egede’s discussions with King Frederik in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Trump’s attempt to purchase the island was turned down in 2019 by both Denmark and Greenland.

The United States, under then-President Harry Truman, attempted to purchase Greenland as a Cold War strategic asset for $100 million in gold when it was still a colony, but Copenhagen refused to sell.

Suppose that Greenland gains its independence.

In the event that Greenland gains its independence, it may decide to join the US.

Although most Greenlanders desire independence, few believe that complete independence is possible given their reliance on Denmark, a member of the wealthy European Union.

Forming a so-called “free association” agreement with the US, akin to the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau status of Pacific Island states, might be one possibility.

Senior scholar and Greenland specialist Ulrik Pram Gad stated, “Greenland is talking about becoming independent from Denmark, but no Greenlanders want to just switch to a new colonial master.”

He believes that unless the wellbeing of its citizens is guaranteed, Greenland is unlikely to vote for independence.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF GREENLAND?

Although most Greenlanders are in favor of independence, opinions differ on when it should happen and how it would affect living conditions.

Since 2019, Greenlandic leaders have stated time and time again that they want to increase commerce and collaboration with the United States.

Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament Aaja Chemnitz, however, stated that the notion of a U.S. takeover has to be categorically opposed. 

“I don’t want to be a pawn in Trump’s hot dreams of expanding his empire to include our country,” she stated.

WHAT IS SAID BY DENMARK?

The resurgence of interest coincides with increased hostilities between Denmark and Greenland as a result of the former colonial ruler’s past wrongdoing being exposed.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called Trump’s 2019 offer to purchase the island “absurd” and Denmark, a key NATO ally of the United States, vehemently rejected it.

Regarding Trump’s rekindled interest, Frederiksen responded on Tuesday, “We need very close cooperation with the Americans.”

She continued: “On the other hand, I would like to encourage everyone to respect that the Greenlanders are a people, it is their country, and only Greenland can determine and define Greenland’s future.”