Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The Issue of the United States taking control of Greenland back surfaces, especially when President-Elect Donald Trump, said that this issue was necessary for both national and global security. However, both Greenland and Denmark have denied this claim due to the sovereignty statements by the Prime Minister of Greenland concerning that territory.
Forthcoming US President Donald Trump has renewed his contentious ambitions with regard to Greenland, holding the island’s ownership for national security and global stabilization “an absolute necessity”.
In a statement released on Sunday, Trump underscored the strategic significance of Greenland as he announced his nomination of Ken Howery to serve as the next US ambassador to Denmark.
“For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,”
Trump proclaimed.
Donald Trump says it is an “absolute necessity” for the United States to annex Greenland.
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) December 23, 2024
“For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” pic.twitter.com/rp9KObWaX7
Denmark and Greenland Reject the Idea
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, promptly rejected Trump’s comments. Prime Minister Mute Egede reaffirmed the island’s sovereignty, declaring, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom,” as reported by Reuters.
Denmark has, in the past, dismissed comparable advances. In 2019, Trump proposed the acquisition of Greenland, characterizing the island as a “strategic” asset. At that moment, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen deemed the proposal “absurd,” prompting Trump to cancel a scheduled visit to Denmark.
A Controversial History
Trump’s fascination with Greenland has sparked ongoing debate. In the course of his first term, he remarked to reporters, “Strategically it’s interesting, and we’d be interested, but we’ll talk to them a little bit.” He also mentioned the economic cost that Greenland is to Denmark and that an agreement would serve the interests of both parties.
In 2020, former Chief of Staff for the Department of Homeland Security Miles Taylor revealed an even more contentious debate. According to Taylor, Trump suggested that he be allowed to trade Puerto Rico for Greenland, referencing his derogatory views of Puerto Rico and its residents.
These comments emerged during the ongoing efforts to support Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria, sparking considerable criticism.
Greenland’s Strategic Importance
Greenland is situated between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It is the world’s largest island. Its geopolitical value has been increasing with time.
Due to its location, it has become an important factor in any discussion of Arctic policy and security, especially as a population of 57,000 resides mainly along its ice-free coast.
Historically, the U.S. has been interested in the acquisition of Greenland. In 1946, President Harry S. Truman proposed to buy the island for $100 million, an offer Denmark refused. The U.S. also considered buying Greenland in 1867.
Broader Implications
The renewed push from Trump underlines the constant strategic competition that unfolds in the Arctic as nations engage in a scramble for influence over this resource-rich area. Although the proposal has faced significant opposition from Denmark and Greenland, the comments by Trump serve to shed light on continued interest in expanding territorial reach in one of the world’s most geopolitically sensitive areas.
It would continue to be an argument over ownership, hence sovereignty, with its diplomatic implications and the eventual shape that the future governance of the Arctic might take.
Key Foreign Policy Moves of the Trump Presidency
During his tenure, Donald Trump made several very bold foreign policy decisions that were not like the previous U.S. policies. In May 2018, he withdrew the U.S. from the Iran Nuclear Deal, stating it did not halt Iran’s nuclear plans, and he reinstated sanctions, which further strained relations with Iran.
He announced Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December 2017, an announcement that sent protests around the world. In May 2018, the United States relocated its embassy to Jerusalem, a major policy shift on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In December 2018, Trump announced he would withdraw US troops from Syria, which drew near-universal criticism, including that of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest. This makes June 2018 special, when he became the first sitting U.S. president to meet North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un. However, as expected, it was fruitless, and a few months later, North Korea returned to missile tests.
