Why does Trump want to annex Greenland? The full story

11th January 2025

5 minutes read

Why does Trump want to annex Greenland? The full story

The elected U.S. president, Donald Trump, sparked controversy by announcing his desire to annex Greenland to the United States.

Trump‘s desire was accompanied by his statement that he did not rule out the use of military or economic force to pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland to Washington.

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Why does Trump want Greenland?

Greater control by the United States over Greenland could benefit Washington due to its strategic location and resources. The island lies on the shortest route between Europe and North America, making it important for the U.S. ballistic missile defense system.

The United States has expressed interest in expanding its military presence there, including the installation of radars to monitor waters between Greenland, Iceland, and Britain. These waters are considered a gateway for Russian naval ships and nuclear submarines.

The island is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas, but its development remains slow. Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is closer to New York than to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.

A 2023 survey revealed that 25 of the 34 minerals considered by the European Commission to be “critical raw materials” can be found in Greenland. These minerals include those used in batteries, such as graphite, lithium, and the so-called rare earth elements used in electric vehicles and wind power generators.

Greenland bans the extraction of oil and natural gas for environmental reasons, and the development of its mining sector has faced obstacles due to bureaucracy and opposition from indigenous populations.

This has led to Greenland’s economy being heavily dependent on fishing, which accounts for more than 95% of exports, as well as annual subsidies from Denmark that cover nearly half of its national budget. Denmark spends just under a billion dollars annually on Greenland, or $17,500 per person for its 57,000 inhabitants.

Does the U.S. have a presence in Greenland now?

The U.S. military has a permanent presence at Thule Air Base in northwestern Greenland.

A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark grants Washington the right to build military bases in Greenland and the freedom to move its troops on the island, provided it notifies Denmark and Greenland.

Christian Søby Kristensen, a senior researcher at the Military Studies Center at the University of Copenhagen, explained that Denmark has historically hosted the U.S. military in Greenland because Copenhagen does not have the capacity to defend the vast island on its own, and also due to the security guarantees provided by the U.S. through NATO.

What is Greenland’s current status?

Greenland has been under Danish control for centuries, first as a colony and now as a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It is governed by the Danish constitution, meaning any change to its legal status would require a constitutional amendment.

In 2009, the island was granted extensive autonomy, including the right to declare independence from Denmark through a referendum.

Mette Frederiksen, the Greenlandic Prime Minister, who has intensified efforts for independence, has often stated that the island is not for sale and that its future is for the Greenlandic people to decide.

Decades ago, during President Harry Truman’s administration, the U.S. sought to purchase the island as a strategic asset during the Cold War for $100 million in gold, but Copenhagen rejected the offer.

Trump proposed buying the island during his first term in 2019, but both Greenland and Denmark rejected the offer.

What does Greenland want?

Relations between Greenland and Denmark have soured after revelations of historical abuses that occurred in Greenland during the colonial period. The majority of Greenland’s population supports independence, but they are divided on the timing of it and the potential impact on living standards.

Since 2019, Greenlandic politicians have expressed interest in strengthening cooperation and trade with the United States.

However, Aya Koments, a Danish parliament member representing Greenland, stated that the idea of the United States taking control of the island should be firmly rejected. She wrote, “I do not want to be a tool to fulfill Trump’s fevered dreams of expanding his empire to include our country.”

What if Greenland became independent?

If Greenland became independent, it could choose to link with the United States in ways that would not make it a U.S. territory.

Although Greenlanders desire independence, they are well aware of their economic dependence on Denmark. One possible option would be to form what is called a “free association” with the United States, which would replace Danish subsidies with American support and protection in exchange for military rights, similar to the status of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau, island nations in the Pacific Ocean.

Ulrik Bram Gad, a senior researcher specializing in Greenlandic affairs, said, “Greenland talks about independence from Denmark, but no one on the island simply wants to move to a new colony.”

He added that Greenlanders would likely aim to secure their future welfare before any vote on independence.

What does Denmark say?

Denmark firmly rejected Trump’s offer to buy the island in 2019, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen describing the proposal as “ridiculous.” When asked about Trump renewing his interest this week, Frederiksen responded, “We need very close cooperation with the Americans.”

She added, “On the other hand, I would encourage everyone to respect the fact that the people of Greenland are a people, it is their country, and only Greenland is capable of determining its future and its destiny.”