Trump’s obsession with Greenland and why it matters

Donald Trump, now in his second term as U.S. president, has once again set his sights on Greenland. His determination to acquire the Arctic island first proposed during his previous administration, is back in the spotlight with even greater urgency.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that bringing Greenland under U.S. control would be a strategic victory, boosting national security and economic independence in the face of growing global competition. While some dismissed the idea as political showmanship, Trump’s persistence suggests he sees Greenland as a crucial piece in America’s long-term geopolitical strategy.

Why Greenland matters more than ever

Trump has reiterated his belief that Greenland’s vast natural resources and strategic position make it an opportunity too valuable to ignore. He argues that Greenland’s rich deposits of rare earth minerals, crucial for modern industries like renewable energy and military technology, should be secured by the United States rather than left to potential adversaries like China.

The U.S. president’s rhetoric has resonated with many Americans who see his vision as a way to assert U.S. dominance in the Arctic and prevent rivals from gaining a foothold in the region.

In fact, Greenland’s importance is not new. Three-quarters of the said island is covered by an ever-permanent ice sheet. It was named “Greenland” in hopes that the name would attract settlers. It is known that during World War II, when Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany, the island became a crucial asset in transatlantic defense.

The U.S. established air and naval bases to protect shipping lanes and secure Allied operations. Even after the war, Greenland remained strategically important, leading to the construction of the Thule Air Base as a vital American military installation. Trump’s renewed push reflects the long-standing belief in Washington that Greenland is key to controlling the Arctic.

However, Greenland is not simply an empty landmass waiting for the highest bidder. With its own government and a distinct cultural identity, it is an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark. Moreover, Denmark, as a full member of the European Union, has repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale. As a territory of the EU, Greenland plays a significant role in Europe’s resource strategy and Arctic policy. Any attempt by the U.S. to assert greater influence could strain diplomatic relations and complicate existing trade agreements.

Despite Denmark’s firm stance, the Trump administration continues to look for ways to deepen American involvement in Greenland. Proposals range from increasing economic cooperation and infrastructure investment to expanding the U.S. military presence. The existing Thule Air Base already provides a strategic foothold, and Trump sees further expansion as a logical step in securing American interests in the region.

As a note we can add that Thule or Pituffik Space Base is already a United States Space Force base located on the northwest coast of Greenland. It is the northernmost installation of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Global competition and Greenland’s indigenous perspective

China has also shown a keen interest in Greenland, seeking opportunities to invest in mining operations and infrastructure development. Trump has warned that Chinese involvement in the Arctic could pose a threat to U.S. interests, stressing that America must act swiftly to prevent Beijing from gaining a foothold in the region.

His administration highlighted the potential risks of allowing China to influence Arctic trade routes and resource development, making Greenland a focal point in the broader U.S.-China rivalry.

Beyond the competition between major powers, Greenland’s geographic position offers another advantage. As Arctic ice continues to melt, new shipping routes are opening up, shortening transit times between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Nearly 40% of future trans-Atlantic trade could pass through these emerging routes, making Greenland an essential link or route in global trade.

Trump’s vision for Greenland extends beyond resource extraction. It also includes securing control over maritime trade routes, further enhancing America’s influence in global commerce.

Internationally, the Arctic is becoming a contested space, with Russia holding the longest Arctic coastline and rapidly expanding its military presence in the region. NATO’s increasing focus on the Arctic highlights the geopolitical tensions at play, with Greenland positioned as a crucial chess piece in this evolving security landscape. Trump’s strategy to assert control over Greenland could strengthen NATO’s position but may also alienate key allies who prefer a collective European approach to Arctic governance.

However, amid these geopolitical maneuverings, the voice of Greenland’s indigenous population, the Greenlandic Inuit, remains critical. Approximately 89% of Greenland’s population consists of Inuit people, who have lived on the island for centuries and centuries and maintain a deep connection to its land and natural environment.

Many Greenlanders are wary of large-scale foreign investments, fearing that rapid industrialization could disrupt their traditional way of life and cause irreversible environmental damage. The Greenland government has emphasized the need for sustainable development that prioritizes local interests while leveraging its resources responsibly.

What’s next for Greenland?

For Trump, Greenland represents more than just strategic resources; it symbolizes his broader vision of American expansion and self-reliance. His supporters see his pursuit of the island as a bold move that aligns with his “America First” policy, reinforcing the idea of securing critical assets to ensure national security and economic growth.

Trump has often compared the potential acquisition of Greenland to historic land purchases like the Louisiana Purchase, portraying himself as a leader with the foresight to secure America’s future.

Despite Trump’s confidence, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Greenland’s leadership has consistently rejected the idea of U.S. ownership, and any further moves by Washington will need to be carefully managed to avoid diplomatic fallout with Denmark and the EU. The U.S. will likely focus on strengthening economic partnerships and security cooperation as a way to increase its influence without outright control.

Greenland’s future remains uncertain as it finds itself at the intersection of global power struggles. While it has the potential to capitalize on its resources and strategic location, it must carefully navigate pressures from powerful nations while maintaining its autonomy and preserving its environment.

Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland highlights the island’s growing importance on the world stage. Whether or not his vision becomes reality, Greenland will continue to be a key player in Arctic geopolitics, with the EU, the U.S. and China, all vying for influence in the region.

While Trump pushes forward with his ambitions, the real question remains: Can Greenland manage its future on its own terms, or will it become a ground for the competition of superpowers?

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About the author: Yildiz Gumus is a researcher and freelance writer with a focus on politics and international relations.