Copenhagen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen reports that there are no plans for an increased military presence from the U.S.
“We will continue to operate closely with Copenhagen and Nuuk to ensure any propositions fulfill our common security needs. There are no plans to increase the United States’ current military footprint in Greenland,”
the spokesperson stated.
What are Trump’s plans for acquiring Greenland?
At a recent press conference, President-elect Donald Trump did not dismiss the idea of using military force to obtain Greenland, which he said was vital to U.S. national security. He wanted “American ownership and control” of the island, pointing out its strategic importance in the face of global threats and in gaining access to critical minerals. The comments from Trump have stirred concern among European allies that the inviolability of borders would be compromised during this period of increasing global volatility.
Trump said he would contemplate military action as well as economic action to take control of Greenland, noting the strategic importance of the island for “economic stability” in the U.S. He mentioned a need for better national security on the island. This renewed interest in Greenland coincides with the larger geopolitical interests, especially now that melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to untapped resources. The ambition of the Trump administration for securing Greenland is increasingly becoming a national security interest. This is because of the rising activities of Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic.
How has Denmark responded to Trump’s interest in Greenland?
Denmark has never considered selling Greenland. The prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, described it as “our Greenland, not for sale.” Denmark has condemned the words of Trump, and their meaning towards international relations. The United States military is strategically dependent on Greenland, especially in terms of missile defense and surveillance systems, due to its strategic point between North America and Europe.
