Global Politics Explainer

CWA # 1574
Global Politics Explainer
Greenland: What is Trump's new interest? What has been the response from the islanders and the Europeans?

Kumari Krishna
26 January 2025

Photo Source: AP Photo

On 7 January, Donald Trump Jr visited Greenland. Later, on the same day, Donald Trump revealed that he would not exclude economic or military options to acquire the island for the US. He described Greenland as important to national security. A social media video showed Trump’s branded plane landing in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on the same day, coupled with the slogan "Make Greenland Great Again".

On 7 January, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, said that Greenland was not for sale. In a press conference in Copenhagen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, “We have no reason to believe that would happen,” further reinstating “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.”

Later, the French foreign minister Jean Noel warned Trump against threatening the EU’s “sovereign borders.” German government spokesman Steffen Hebestriet said, "as always, the firm principle applies that borders must not be moved by force,” highlighting the international agreements.

Where is Greenland?
Greenland is an autonomous region of Denmark. Although a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland has run an autonomous government controlling its internal matters since 1979. Greenland is the world's largest island; home to 56,000 people, Greenland has an extensive local government. Foreign policy and defence, however, remain under Denmark's control. 

Greenland is strategically important because it is close to vital shipping lanes, such as the Northwest Passage, which is becoming increasingly accessible due to melting Arctic ice. The island is also rich in natural resources, including rare earth elements, oil, and gas, making it a focal point for global economic and strategic interests.

Historically, Greenland has always debated independence. The 2009 Self-Government Act recognizes Greenlanders as a nation with the right to self-determination and independence. Greenlanders believe that their natural resources lie within the confines of the green island and will determine their journey in the international communities. Though most people in Greenland are pro-independence, opinions and strategies for achieving independence vary, and this movement remains central to Greenlandic identity and politics.

What is the American interest in Greenland?
The US has a long-time interest in Greenland. As World War II arose, the United States created military installations in Greenland, including the Thule Air Base and the Pituffik Space Base, which remain essential to the United States' defence system in the Arctic. 

In 1946, President Truman expressed an interest in purchasing Greenland based on its strategic importance, but Denmark turned down the offer. Eventually, the subject re-emerged when Donald Trump expressed interest in buying Greenland in 2019. While Denmark and Greenland both dismissed the idea at the time, Trump’s interest highlighted the island’s growing importance in light of Arctic geopolitics and climate-driven changes.

What is Denmark's position in Greenland? 
Denmark's position on Greenland supports its autonomy while maintaining strategic influence over the island. Historically, Denmark has controlled Greenland, first as a colonial ruler in the 18th century and later fully integrating it into the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. Greenland gained greater autonomy through the 1979 Home Rule Act and the 2009 Self-Government Act, though Denmark still controls foreign affairs and defence. 

Economically, Denmark provides around USD 500 million annually, a vital part of Greenland's budget, and supports sectors like education and healthcare. Socially, many Greenlanders move to Denmark for work and study. Today, Denmark aims to balance support for Greenland's self-governance with ensuring its sovereignty, mainly as global interest in the Arctic region grows. Denmark positions itself as an economic and strategic partner to Greenland.

Why is the rest of Europe against Trump’s position on Greenland?
Many European countries, including France and Germany, oppose Trump's interest in buying Greenland since it challenges Denmark's sovereignty and raises concerns over US dominance in the Arctic. Such nations are sceptical of the long-term intentions of the US in the region as they view the push for Greenland as a possible attempt to boost military and economic influence in the Arctic. 

France, Germany, and other EU members emphasize international cooperation and multi-lateral governance in the Arctic. Rather than territorial deals, they prefer diplomacy and are doubtful that Trump’s plans might disrupt regional stability and the delicate balance of power in the Arctic.

What next for Trump and Greenland?
First, Trump's continued interest in Greenland. Greenland's proximity to emerging Arctic shipping routes, the availability of rare earth minerals used in technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy, and its military significance make it a valuable asset for the US. With global powers like Russia and China increasing their footprint in the Arctic, Greenland is critical to the US for balancing that influence. Strengthening US national security, economic power, and geopolitical influence form the basis of Trump's vision to acquire Greenland.

Denmark opposes Trump’s plan. The prospect of acquiring Greenland faces significant legal, political, and cultural obstacles. Under Denmark's constitution, any sale of Greenland would require constitutional amendments and approval from both Greenland's government and its citizens, which is an improbable scenario.

The Greenlanders are inclined to protect their sovereignty. Greenlanders believe in their future in terms of greater autonomy than subjugation to another foreign power. Trump's rhetoric and actions, such as his "Make Greenland Great Again" campaign, have heightened Greenlanders' fears about their cultural and political independence.

About the author
Kumari Krishna is a postgarduate Student at OP Jindal Global University, Haryana.

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