In a bold and controversial move, US President designate Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants to purchase Greenland, a massive island in the Arctic located between North America and Russia, northwest of Europe. While it may seem like an outlandish proposition, Trump’s interest in Greenland is grounded in the island’s unique geopolitical, economic, and strategic significance. So, what makes Greenland so crucial for the US? Why does Trump, in particular, want to control it? And who does Greenland truly belong to?

Let’s unpack the complex layers of this issue.

The Strategic Location of Greenland

Greenland sits in a unique and highly strategic position between North America and Europe. It occupies a critical point in the Arctic, just off the northeastern coast of Canada, and its proximity to Russia makes it essential for military and defence purposes. The island’s location is particularly important for controlling vital shipping routes in the Arctic, which are becoming more navigable due to the effects of climate change. These routes could dramatically shorten travel times between Europe, North America, and Asia, making Greenland a crucial gateway for global trade.

For military purposes, Greenland offers a commanding presence in the region. The US has maintained a base on the island since World War II, with the Thule Air Base being a key asset. This base, located in the northwestern part of the island, functions as an early warning radar station that monitors space activity and ballistic missile launches, including potential nuclear threats from Russia. The strategic value of such infrastructure cannot be overstated, particularly given the rising tensions between global superpowers.

Greenland’s Resource Wealth

In addition to its strategic location, Greenland is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. The island is also home to vast reserves of rare earth elements that are increasingly critical in modern technologies, such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and electronics. These materials are essential for the production of batteries, semiconductors, and other high-tech components that are key to the global shift toward green energy.

China has already recognized Greenland’s value, particularly in securing access to rare earth elements. If Beijing were to establish a foothold in Greenland, it could dramatically shift the balance of power in global supply chains for these critical materials. For the US, preventing such a scenario is a priority. Acquiring Greenland would ensure that these valuable resources remain within American influence, securing the nation’s technological and economic future.

Trump’s Interest in Greenland: More Than Just a “Real Estate Deal”

Trump’s interest in Greenland is not new. In 2019, he publicly suggested that the US should purchase the island from Denmark, calling it “essentially a large real estate deal.” His proposal was met with surprise and condemnation from Denmark, which outright rejected the idea of selling Greenland. Despite the backlash, Trump’s comments reveal a broader view of Greenland as a pivotal asset for US national security and economic growth.

For Trump, acquiring Greenland would be part of his broader “America First” policy, which emphasized securing strategic resources and maintaining a strong global position. By taking control of Greenland, the US would bolster its military presence in the Arctic, gain access to crucial minerals, and prevent foreign powers like China from establishing a dominant role in the region.

While the idea of purchasing a sovereign territory may seem far-fetched, it underscores a trend in Trump’s foreign policy: a focus on leveraging resources and strategic assets for national advantage, even if it involves unconventional methods. His proposal to buy Greenland was not just about real estate—it was about securing geopolitical leverage and ensuring that the US remained a dominant player in the Arctic and global trade.

The Question of Sovereignty: Who Really Owns Greenland?

Greenland is not an independent nation; it is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Despite having its own parliament and government, Denmark retains control over Greenland’s foreign policy and defence matters. In 1979, Denmark granted Greenland home rule, allowing its people to govern many domestic affairs, but Copenhagen continues to manage Greenland’s defence and international relations.

This political structure complicates any discussions about the island’s future. While Greenlanders have expressed desires for greater independence, particularly in response to Denmark’s military agreements with the US, they remain under Danish sovereignty. This means that any negotiation over Greenland’s status would need to involve Denmark, not just Greenland itself.

Trump’s interest in Greenland, therefore, would require direct negotiations with Denmark, which has historically resisted any attempts to sell or relinquish control over the island. While the people of Greenland may have some say in their future, it is Denmark that ultimately holds the legal authority to make such decisions. This legal reality means that any attempt by the US to acquire Greenland would involve complex diplomatic and legal challenges.

Greenland’s Military Importance

Greenland’s military significance stems from its ability to monitor the Arctic and defend critical air and sea routes. The Thule Air Base, which the US has operated since World War II, is one of the most important strategic assets in the region. It plays a vital role in monitoring potential missile threats and providing early warning of space activities, including ballistic missile launches from Russia or other adversaries.

In terms of defence, Greenland is strategically located to defend North America from any threats emerging from the Arctic or Russia. As global tensions rise, particularly with Russia’s increasing military activities in the Arctic, the US may see Greenland’s military importance as even more urgent. Trump’s desire to secure Greenland is likely driven by this need to ensure a forward-operating base in a region that is becoming increasingly important for global security.

However, Greenland itself lacks the military infrastructure to defend against external threats. Denmark’s small military presence, especially in the Arctic, means that the US effectively shoulders much of Greenland’s defence. Under the 1951 US-Denmark defence agreement, the US has committed to protecting Greenland in case of an attack. This agreement underscores the reliance on US military power for Greenland’s security and further justifies Trump’s push to secure the island for the US.

The Challenges of Acquisition: Legal, Diplomatic, and Military Implications

If the US were to seriously pursue the acquisition of Greenland, it would face significant diplomatic and legal hurdles. Greenland’s sovereignty is tied to Denmark, a NATO ally, and any attempt to alter this status would create tensions within the alliance. The prospect of a NATO member annexing the territory of another NATO member would have far-reaching consequences, especially considering the alliance’s principle of mutual defence.

Furthermore, international law prohibits the forceful acquisition of territory by a foreign power, making any attempt to annex Greenland through military means highly problematic. Trump’s suggestion of using military force to take Greenland would create a complex and unprecedented situation, one that could alienate NATO allies and create a diplomatic crisis.