Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland dates back to 2019. Since the early days of the Cold War, the U.S. has shown significant interest in the territory. In 1946, President Harry Truman even proposed buying Greenland from Denmark for $100 million in gold. But what are the reasons and stakes that drive this attention?
Greenland and Denmark
Historically, Greenland was colonized by Denmark in 1721. This relationship has lasted for centuries. Greenland has been an autonomous territory since 1979, but it remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland has its own legislative and executive powers. However, it relies on Denmark for some matters such as defense and foreign relations. In 2009, Greenland gained a « country » status within the Kingdom, with more local responsibilities and greater autonomy. This change strengthened Greenland’s ability to manage its own affairs while remaining under Danish sovereignty. The official language of Greenland is Greenlandic, though Danish is widely spoken, especially in administration and international affairs.
Greenland’s Resources
Greenland is rich in natural resources, including mining materials such as rare earth elements, uranium, iron, copper, and gold. The island also boasts abundant maritime resources, with stocks of fish, crabs, shrimp, and seaweed. It has considerable energy potential, particularly in hydroelectric power, and untapped oil and gas reserves. Greenland’s glaciers are a significant source of fresh water, and its stunning landscapes are attracting growing tourism. Moreover, its strategic location in the Arctic gives it increasing geopolitical importance, especially with new maritime routes and underwater resources becoming more accessible. These natural riches, combined with energy and geopolitical potential, make Greenland a key player on the international stage.
Arctic Resources
The Arctic, located north of the polar circle, is rich in valuable natural resources that are attracting growing global interest. Among its major resources are vast reserves of hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas), estimated at about 13% of global oil reserves and 30% of natural gas reserves. These resources are mainly located under the Chukchi and Barents seas and other Arctic maritime zones. Additionally, minerals like gold, silver, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements are crucial for high-tech industries, especially batteries and renewable energy.
Maritime resources are also abundant. The cold waters of the Arctic are a key fishing zone, with stocks of fish, shrimp, and seafood. Marine plants like algae are exploited in sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the Arctic is a significant source of ice and fresh water. This resource is increasingly valuable as climate change threatens water supplies in other parts of the world. Finally, the Arctic holds potential for renewable energy, with abundant water for hydroelectric power and areas suitable for wind energy. These resources, combined with the region’s changing geopolitical landscape due to climate change, make the Arctic a focal point for major economic stakes.
Geopolitical Stakes in the Arctic
The Arctic is at the heart of growing geopolitical tensions as its natural resources and strategic position attract international actors. One key issue is the competition for resource exploitation. The Arctic is home to vast reserves of oil, gas, minerals, and fresh water, making it a target for major powers like Russia, the U.S., Canada, Norway, and Denmark. This rivalry is particularly focused on access to maritime zones. Indeed, melting ice is opening new shipping routes, such as the Northwest and Northeast Passages, which shorten the distance between Europe, Asia, and North America.
Territorial claims are also central to geopolitical tensions. Several countries are disputing sovereignty over maritime zones rich in resources, particularly around the North Pole. Canada, Russia, and Denmark, for example, claim parts of the seabed beneath the pole, including the Lomonosov Ridge, an underwater ridge believed to be rich in hydrocarbons and minerals. These territorial disputes are often managed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, conflicts persist.
Meanwhile, militarization in the Arctic is intensifying, especially by Russia, which has strengthened its military presence in the region, reactivating old bases and developing new infrastructure. The U.S. and NATO countries are closely monitoring these developments, as the Arctic has strategic importance for national security and resource protection.
Additionally, climate change is altering ecosystems and accelerating ice melt, raising environmental challenges. Protecting the environment and managing resources sustainably are growing concerns as economic and political pressures to exploit natural wealth increase. The Arctic has thus become a laboratory for balancing economic development, environmental protection, and international cooperation.
Trump: “Greenland Acquisition is a National Security Issue”
Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Denmark should relinquish its intervention in Greenland in order to, in his words, “protect the free world.” He also threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark, a NATO member, if the country did not comply with his demands. Trump even adapted his campaign slogan, applying it to Greenland: “Make Greenland Great Again.”
Furthermore, his son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, on January 7. He went as a « tourist » and stayed for barely five hours. His visit included meeting some local supporters and taking a selfie in front of the statue of missionary Hans Egede, the founder of Nuuk in 1728—a symbol of Denmark’s colonization of the largest island. Trump Jr. said: “We don’t even know if Denmark has legal rights over it, but if they do, they should give them up because we need it for national security. Just look—there are Chinese ships everywhere. We won’t let that happen.”
Trump’s Strategic, Economic, and Geopolitical Interests
Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland is driven by several strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors. The island is rich in natural resources such as minerals (rare earth elements, uranium, zinc) and hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas). These resources are highly coveted by major powers, and Trump sees an opportunity to strengthen the U.S. economy by securing these strategic materials and reducing dependence on other countries for essential resources.
Greenland also holds a key geostrategic position. Located at the crossroads of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, it plays a crucial role in new maritime routes opening due to climate change, as well as in securing international shipping lanes. As the Arctic becomes more militarized, Trump views Greenland as a way to consolidate U.S. military presence in a strategic zone near Russia and Canada, reinforcing U.S. defense interests in the region.
Finally, the potential for economic domination is central to Trump’s approach. He sees Greenland’s infrastructure and natural resources as a way to boost the U.S. economy, offering new avenues for investment and development.
However, this proposal raised questions about Greenland’s sovereignty and autonomy. While Greenland is under Danish sovereignty, it enjoys significant autonomy. Trump’s offer was widely seen as a modern-day attempt at colonization. Both Danish and Greenlandic officials firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing that Greenland is not for sale and its future will be determined by the Greenlandic people.
Denmark’s Response
Denmark’s response to Trump’s Greenland acquisition proposal was clear and firm. From the outset, the Danish government rejected the idea, repeatedly stating that Greenland was not for sale.
The incident caused temporary tension in U.S.-Denmark relations, but both nations continued to cooperate on international issues, particularly within NATO. The key focus remained on respecting sovereignty and diplomatic relations, while recognizing each country’s strategic interests.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made a strong statement, declaring: “Greenland is not for sale.” She called the proposal “absurd,” reaffirming that Greenland is an autonomous territory with its own local government. Trump’s proposal was seen as an affront to Greenland’s sovereignty.
Support for Greenland
Denmark reaffirmed its commitment to Greenland and its special relationship with the island. The Danish government emphasized that decisions regarding Greenland should be made in consultation with Greenland’s authorities, who have been granted significant autonomy since 1979. The proposal reinforced the importance of protecting Greenland’s sovereignty.
Trump’s offer prompted Denmark to invite him to reconsider his approach and respect the established relations between the two nations. Trump’s dissatisfaction with Denmark’s opposition led him to cancel a planned state visit to Denmark in September 2019. This further highlights the tensions between the two countries.
Greenland’s leaders, including Prime Minister Kim Kielsen at the time, also rejected the idea of a sale. Greenland emphasized its desire to maintain its relationship with Denmark while continuing to manage its own affairs.
Conclusion
In the end, Denmark firmly rejected Trump’s proposal to buy Greenland underscoring that the island is not a commodity for sale. Denmark’s diplomatic response highlighted its commitment to maintaining balanced relations with its autonomous territory, while honoring its international obligations and strategic interests.
