Greenland opens communication channels with President Trump’s team, expressing readiness to discuss potential collaboration with the United States, as reports suggest. The Danish government, intent on circumventing public conflict with Trump, has sought clarity regarding his plans involving Greenland. In recent weeks, President Trump has reignited his interest in this expansive island, over which Denmark currently holds security jurisdiction.
“For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” Trump asserted in a December post on Truth Social. This statement accompanied his announcement of appointing PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as the ambassador to Denmark.
During a joint press conference on Friday, Greenland’s pro-independence Prime Minister, Mute Egede, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Trump. Nevertheless, Egede also emphasized Greenland’s aspiration for self-governance. “We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house… This is something everyone should respect,” Egede stated. “Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.”
Despite political sentiments, some Greenlandic citizens appear intrigued, even excited, about the prospect of aligning with the United States. One resident, donning a red “Make America Great Again” hat, conveyed enthusiasm to a cameraman accompanying Donald Trump’s eldest son, Don Jr.
President Trump’s renewed appeals echo his 2019 endeavor to acquire Greenland from Denmark, a move halted during his first presidential term following Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s refusal. His current approach to securing the resource-abundant island underscores national security imperatives.
Donald Trump Jr. has arrived in Greenland. 👀 pic.twitter.com/q0ElwYRwfi
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 7, 2025
In a press conference at Mar-A-Lago, Trump declared, “We need Greenland for national security reasons.” When inquired whether he could assure against employing military or economic measures in Greenland, he replied, “I can’t assure you of either of those two.”
Denmark is a very special country with incredible people, but based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postponing our meeting scheduled in two weeks for another time….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 20, 2019
Trump further cited global security concerns, specifically referring to Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic region, stating, “You don’t even need binoculars, you look outside you have China ships all over the place, you have Russian ships all over the place. We’re not letting that happen, we’re not letting it happen.”
President Trump’s proposal to incorporate Greenland also notably threatens Denmark with tariffs should they obstruct any potential decision by Greenland to join the U.S. It’s noteworthy that Greenland moved towards autonomy following a 2008 referendum and the 2009 Self-Government Act.
An increased military presence in Greenland by the U.S. would complement the existing American-manned Pittufik U.S. Space Base, which houses a missile early warning system radar station, reinforcing the Department of Defense’s strategic capabilities.