On January 6, US President-elect Donald Trump declared that he wants Greenland to become part of the United States and did not rule out the possibility of using military or economic force to convince Denmark to hand over the island with rich mineral resources and strategic importance.
"Greenland is an extraordinary country and its people would benefit immensely if and when it becomes part of our nation," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Trump's demands for Greenland are not new. He expressed his interest in purchasing the island from Denmark in 2019, but was rejected.
Why does Trump want Greenland?
Greenland is of particular strategic importance to the US military and its ballistic missile early warning system. The US has a permanent military presence at Pituffik Air Base, and has expressed interest in expanding its presence, including by deploying radars to monitor maritime movements between Greenland, Iceland and the UK.
In addition to its strategic location, Greenland also has significant natural resources. A 2023 study showed that 25 of the 34 minerals classified as “critical materials” by the European Commission are found in Greenland. These include minerals such as graphite, lithium and rare earth elements, which are essential for batteries, electric vehicles and wind turbines.
However, the development of these resources has been slow due to the ban on oil and gas extraction for environmental reasons, as well as bureaucracy and opposition from indigenous populations.
Can Greenland be bought?
Greenland has been part of Denmark for more than 600 years, but currently enjoys broad autonomy and has the right to declare independence by referendum. Changing its status would require a constitutional change in Denmark.
Locals have stated that the island is not for sale and that its future will be decided by the people of Greenland.
Historically, the US has expressed interest in Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman tried to buy the island for $100 million in gold, but Denmark rejected the offer.
The future of Greenland
If Greenland declares independence, it could choose to form an alliance with the US, just like Pacific Ocean island nations such as the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.
However, although most Greenlanders want independence, the main concern remains economic dependence on Denmark, which provides nearly half of the island's budget through subsidies.
Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic MP in the Danish parliament, has opposed Trump's idea, stressing that "Greenland is not a fish that can be bought and sold."
Denmark's position
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called Trump's offer to buy Greenland in 2019 "absurd." Regarding his recent statements, she stressed that cooperation with the US is important, but that Greenland can decide its own future.
With tensions rising between Greenland and Denmark, as well as US ambitions, the island's future remains uncertain. However, it is clear that Greenland will not be a simple bargain in Trump's plans. (A2 Televizion)
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