Securing control of the world’s largest island is deemed vital for US national security, according to the president-elect.
Donald Trump has reiterated the importance of US acquisition of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, citing national security concerns.
During his previous term, Trump previously proposed purchasing Greenland, describing it as a significant real estate opportunity. He argued that Denmark would welcome the sale due to the financial burden of supporting the island.
This proposal was rejected by both Denmark and Greenland, leading to the cancellation of Trump’s planned state visit to Copenhagen in 2019.
Trump revived the idea on his TruthSocial platform, stating that US ownership and control of Greenland are essential for national security and global freedom.
He also announced his nomination of PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as US ambassador to Denmark.
Trump praised Howery’s entrepreneurial background and prior service as US envoy to Sweden (2019-2021), expressing confidence in his ability to represent US interests effectively.
“Ken will excel in representing US interests,” Trump asserted.
Greenland, encompassing 2,166,086 sq km (approximately six times Germany’s size), has a population under 57,000, with 80% of its landmass covered by ice.
Despite its size, Greenland possesses significant reserves of gold, silver, copper, and uranium, and its territorial waters are believed to contain substantial oil deposits.
The island’s Arctic location adds to its strategic importance, given the increasing competition for resources and routes among global powers.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cautioned in September against US ambitions in the Arctic, suggesting that the US pursuit of global influence extends to this region.
He noted increased NATO exercises in the Arctic, signaling potential crises.
“Russia is fully prepared to defend its interests militarily, politically, and technologically,” Lavrov declared.