The White House announced on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is exploring various approaches to obtain Greenland, which may involve leveraging the U.S. military, as part of his renewed interest in securing the strategic island despite opposition from Europe. The administration stated that Trump views acquiring Greenland as crucial for U.S. national security interests in deterring adversaries in the Arctic region.
While Greenland has consistently expressed its reluctance to become part of the United States, the ongoing discourse from Trump and his team regarding control over the island has sparked discontent among its residents, according to Tillie Martinussen, a former Greenlandic legislator.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has conveyed his disapproval of the pressure exerted by Washington while emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations with the U.S.
In response, leaders from major European nations and Canada have voiced support for Greenland’s autonomy, asserting that its fate lies in the hands of the Danish people. Trump’s interest in potentially incorporating Canada as the 51st state has faced consistent opposition from Canadian officials.
Despite pushback from European allies and concerns within the NATO alliance, Trump remains undeterred in his pursuit of making Greenland a strategic hub amid increasing interests from Russia and China. His recent focus on Greenland has been reignited following the U.S. involvement in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The administration is exploring various avenues to acquire Greenland, including through a potential purchase or establishing a Compact of Free Association (COFA) arrangement, akin to existing agreements with other nations. Diplomacy is highlighted as the primary approach, with dealmaking being a preferred method for Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that recent remarks regarding Greenland do not indicate an imminent invasion but rather a desire to negotiate with Denmark for a possible acquisition. Members of Congress, including Republicans, have urged respect for Denmark’s sovereignty and emphasized the importance of treaty obligations.
The administration justifies the interest in Greenland based on its mineral resources with high-tech and military significance, despite existing challenges hindering their exploitation. The pursuit of acquiring Greenland remains a focal point for Trump’s remaining tenure in office.
