The idea of the United States purchasing Greenland has been discussed for several months, but recent developments suggest President Trump’s administration is more serious about the proposal than originally thought.
An “intense” phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reignited debate over Greenland’s future, with the US leader’s intentions remaining unclear.
President Trump’s unwavering stance on the takeover of Greenland has upset many people in Denmark and Greenland, despite repeated assertions by officials that Greenland is not for sale.
At the heart of President Trump’s interest in Greenland is its strategic importance to national security. The island is rich in minerals essential for technology and defense, including rare earth elements used in mobile phones, electric vehicles and weapons. Greenland’s reserves are becoming increasingly important to the United States as China dominates the global rare earth market.
Trump had hoped to take over the island nation of 56,000 people during his first term.
Greenland’s location astride the shortest route between Europe and North America makes it an important location for the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early warning system. As China and Russia expand their influence in the Arctic, the United States seeks to maintain its dominance in the region.
National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes told Fox that President Trump said, “The safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States because China and Russia are making significant investments throughout the Arctic region.” “The president is committed not to do that,” he said. “We will not only protect U.S. interests in the Arctic, but also work with Greenland to ensure the mutual prosperity of our two countries.”
“He was very firm,” a source told the Financial Times, describing Trump’s tone during the call. “It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I think it’s serious and potentially very dangerous.”
The call was “intense” and one official described it as “terrible”, according to the Financial Times.
One Danish official said Danes were “completely taken aback” by the call. “The intent was very clear,” another official told the newspaper. “That’s what they want. Danes are in a crisis right now.”
President Trump’s aggressive pursuit of Greenland has been met with resistance from Denmark and Greenland. Frederiksen stressed that Greenland is not for sale, and Prime Minister Mute Edege reiterated that the islanders do not want to become part of the United States.
However, the United States has repeatedly stated that Greenland is important to national security. Despite Mr. Frederiksen’s offer to increase cooperation between Greenland and the United States on military bases and resources, Mr. Trump was aggressive and confrontational. He also did not rule out the possibility of using military force in Greenland.
“For national security and freedom purposes around the world, the United States feels that ownership and control of Greenland is absolutely necessary,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social last month.
Residents of Greenland have also expressed distrust of President Trump and his intentions. “I can’t trust that man,” Nuuk resident Biro Chemnitz told the Washington Post. “I want Greenland to stay like this.”
“I don’t like the way he talks about Greenland,” resident Ida Abersen similarly told the Post.
Diplomatic relations between the United States and Denmark are being tested as President Trump’s pursuit of Greenland continues to garner attention and criticism.
