US President Donald Trump has long been fixated on acquiring control of Greenland, citing “economic security” as his primary motivation. He views the vast Arctic island as essential for securing access to rare earth minerals and expanding American influence in the region.
Strategically positioned between the US and Russia, Greenland is a crucial location for defense and emerging as a geopolitical battleground due to climate change. The melting of its ice sheets could unlock oil drilling and mining for critical minerals like copper, lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
The US already maintains a military base at Pituffik, which dates back to the Cold War era. Trump’s administration has been exploring ways to acquire Greenland, with reports suggesting he views it as “essentially a large real estate deal.”
However, Denmark is adamant that Greenland is not for sale. The Danish government has maintained control over foreign and security policy since 1953, despite home rule being introduced in 1979. Greenland’s prime minister, Múte Egede, has accelerated his argument for independence from Denmark, stating that the country should break free from “colonialism” to shape its own future.
The visit by Trump Jr has sparked tension between Greenland and Denmark, with Egede warning that any attempts at coercion would be met with resistance. The Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has also rejected Trump’s advances, stating that the autonomous territory belongs to the Greenlanders.
As tensions escalate, Greenland is bracing for its next parliamentary election in April, which could determine the country’s future path towards independence.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/08/why-is-donald-trump-talking-about-annexing-greenland