President-elect Donald Trump has expressed growing interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory, to expand the United States’ sphere of influence, secure strategic positions in the Arctic, and solidify the region’s trade and security potential. Greenland’s Arctic location provides strategic proximity to shipping routes, making it a valuable economic waypoint for the Danes. Its acquisition by the United States could be an economic boon in terms of resource potential, with its untapped reserves of oil, gas, and rare minerals that could stimulate economic growth and further energy independence.
Despite Denmark’s initial resistance to the acquisition, the incoming president has garnered growing support from House Republicans and Greenlanders themselves. Why does President-elect Trump want Greenland under the United States’ authority, and is it even a possibility? Acquiring the world’s largest non-continental island may be more viable than you think.
Deeper Roots Than Meet the Eye
Although many have dismissed the soon-to-be president’s ambition to acquire Greenland as a mere fancy, his intentions seem to be more deeply rooted than leaving a presidential legacy.
Trump first floated the idea during his first term in office, yet didn’t make it a top priority. However, in a press conference just a few weeks before his inauguration, Trump implied that he wouldn’t rule out economic or diplomatic pressures to acquire the Arctic Island. If anything, the incoming president is undoubtedly serious about pursuing further close relations with Greenland.
Why Greenland?
So the question remains: Why is Greenland so important to President Trump? In truth, Greenland might be more pivotal to the global stage now than ever before. Due to its position in the Arctic, close proximity to Europe and Russia, and relative proximity to the United States, Greenland holds a unique geographical advantage.
With a population of around 56,000, Greenland rarely finds itself at the heart of global news outlets. However, with its strategic location in the Arctic and vast natural resources, it’s become the topic of many conversations lately.
Greenland’s unique geographical position is advantageous for security purposes and could be an economic treasure trove of vastly untapped resources.
Strategic Resources
As the world’s largest island, Greenland is not a continent. It is rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and rare earth minerals. Forging a strengthened partnership with the United States could benefit these pivotal markets. These resources could be leveraged to fulfill Trump’s vision of boosting and solidifying “American energy dominance” during his second term.
National Security as Russian Conflict Looms
Beyond Greenland’s vast resources, a more pressing issue lies at the heart of Trump’s acquisition ambitions. As the war in Russia and Ukraine rages on, Trump seeks to strengthen American military positions in the Arctic as a deterrent for Russian military action against the United States.
Former Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Reuters, “Every decision President Trump makes is in the best interest of the United States and the American people. That’s why President Trump has called attention to legitimate national security and economic concerns regarding Canada, Greenland, and Panama.”
Real Estate Expansion
Although expansion has been foundational to American history, the nation hasn’t expanded its geographical footprint in over 70 years since Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959. Acquiring Danish territory would have historical precedents, and securing America’s position in the Arctic would be at the top of Trump’s priority list.
Furthermore, a bill called the Make Greenland Great Again Act has been gaining support among House Republicans, which further supports its validity and the seriousness of the incoming president’s ambitions.
What Does Greenland Have to Say?
Though the Danish government has emphatically said that Greenland is “not for sale,” the people of Greenland have expressed interest in strengthening ties with the United States in the future. According to Patriot Polling, more than 57% of Greenland citizens approve of becoming part of the United States.
When asked about the possibility of Greenland becoming part of the United States, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stressed the importance of close cooperation with the U.S. but said that only Greenland could decide what’s best for Greenland. Greenland is currently subject to Denmark’s constitution yet holds the right to become independently sovereign.
While Trump has his sights on Greenland’s natural resources and strategic position, it remains unclear whether his ambitions will be met or rebuffed by the people of Greenland.
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