President Donald Trump says the US needs to “own” Greenland to prevent Russia and China from doing so.
“Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don’t defend leases. And we’ll have to defend Greenland,” Trump told reporters on Friday, in response to a question from the BBC.
We will do it “the easy way” or “the hard way”, he added. The White House said recently the administration is considering buying the semi-autonomous territory of fellow Nato member Denmark, but it would not rule out the option of annexing it by force.
Denmark and Greenland say the territory is not for sale. Denmark has said military action would spell the end of the trans-Atlantic defence alliance.
Despite being the most sparsely populated territory, Greenland’s location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region.
The US president has repeatedly said that Greenland is vital to US national security, claiming without evidence that it was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place”.
The US already has more than 100 military personnel permanently stationed at its Pituffik base in Greenland’s north-western tip – a facility that has been operated by the US since World War Two.
Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland.
But speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said a lease agreement was not good enough.
“Countries can’t make nine-year deals or even 100-year deals,” he said, adding that they had to have ownership.
“I love the people of China. I love the people of Russia,” Trump said. “But I don’t want them as a neighbour in Greenland, not going to happen.”
“And by the way Nato’s got to understand that,” the US president added.
Denmark’s Nato allies – major European countries as well as Canada – have rallied to its support this week with statements reaffirming that “only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations”.
Stressing they were as keen as the US on Arctic security, they have said this must be achieved by allies, including the US, “collectively”.
They also called for “upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders”.
Concerns over the future of the territory resurfaced after Trump’s use of military force against Venezuela on Saturday to seize its president, Nicolás Maduro.
Trump previously made an offer to buy the island in 2019, during his first presidential term, only to be told it was not for sale.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is to hold talks with Denmark next week.
In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland’s natural resources – including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron – which are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change. Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves.
In a joint statement on Friday night, Greenland’s party leaders, including the opposition, reiterated their call for the “US’s disregard for our country to end”.
“We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” they said. “The future of Greenland must be decided by the Greenlandic people.”
WASHINGTON, August 18, 2023— Former President Donald Trump ignited a diplomatic stir Friday by suggesting the United States should purchase Greenland, citing national security concerns and a desire to prevent its potential control by Russia and China.
A Bold Proposal and International Pushback
Table of Contents
The former president’s comments have sparked debate over sovereignty, strategic interests, and the future of the Arctic region.
- Trump argued ownership is crucial for defense, dismissing long-term lease agreements as insufficient.
- Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any sale, emphasizing their right to self-determination.
- The proposal resurfaces a 2019 attempt by Trump to acquire the territory, which was also rebuffed.
- Nato allies have expressed support for Denmark, underscoring the importance of upholding international law.
- Greenland’s strategic location and natural resources are key factors driving the renewed interest.
The former president, speaking to reporters, stated, “Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don’t defend leases. And we’ll have to defend Greenland.” He added the US would pursue acquisition “the easy way” or “the hard way,” raising eyebrows and prompting swift responses from both Denmark and Greenland.
Strategic Importance and Resource Potential
Despite its sparse population, Greenland holds significant strategic value due to its location between North America and the Arctic. The territory is well-positioned for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks and for monitoring vessel traffic in the region. The US currently maintains a military presence at its Pituffik base in Greenland, operating the facility since World War Two, and has agreements allowing for the deployment of troops.
However, Trump dismissed the existing agreements as inadequate, stating, “Countries can’t make nine-year deals or even 100-year deals…they have to have ownership.” He also expressed concerns about the presence of Russia and China in the region, claiming, without providing evidence, that the area was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.”
International Condemnation and Greenlandic Autonomy
Denmark and Greenland have unequivocally stated the territory is not for sale. Denmark warned that military action would jeopardize the trans-Atlantic defense alliance. Nato allies, including major European countries and Canada, have voiced their support for Denmark, reaffirming that decisions regarding Greenland’s relations are solely within the purview of Denmark and Greenland itself. They emphasized the need to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Greenland’s political leaders echoed this sentiment in a joint statement Friday night, asserting, “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders. The future of Greenland must be decided by the Greenlandic people.”
Renewed Interest and Resource Concerns
The renewed discussion about Greenland’s future comes amid growing interest in its natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, iron, and potential oil and gas reserves, which are becoming more accessible due to melting ice. Concerns over the future of the territory also resurfaced following Trump’s recent actions regarding Venezuela. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to hold talks with Denmark next week.
The former president’s pursuit of Greenland began in 2019, when he initially floated the idea of a purchase, a proposal that was promptly rejected.
