Trump’s renewed push for Greenland shakes Europe

United States President-elect Donald Trump has reignited his ambitions to bring Greenland under U.S. control, stirring geopolitical tensions across Europe and the Arctic.

Trump’s remarks on Jan. 7—suggesting that the US could use tariffs or military force to secure the resource-rich island—drew swift rebukes from Denmark and Greenland's leaders.

Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede appealed for unity, firmly stating that “Greenland is not for sale.” Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized the proposal as “unrealistic,” while foreign ministers from the U.K., Germany, and France warned against any attempt to annex the territory.

Trump’s interest in Greenland is not new. In 2019, he floated the idea of purchasing the island, a move that strained U.S.-Danish relations after Frederiksen dismissed the notion. Trump canceled a planned visit to Denmark in response. Historically, the U.S. has pursued expansionist policies, acquiring Louisiana from France in 1803 and Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, spans 836,300 square miles—80% of which is covered in ice. While sparsely populated with just 56,000 residents, the island holds significant geopolitical value. Its location offers control over Arctic and Atlantic shipping routes, monitoring capabilities for Russian submarine activity, and access to a wealth of natural resources.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates Greenland’s coastal areas could contain up to 52 billion barrels of oil. The island is also rich in rare earth minerals critical to green energy and military technology. These resources have become more accessible due to climate change, increasing global interest in the Arctic.

Greenland’s economy relies heavily on fishing, which accounts for 90% of its exports, and annual aid from Denmark totaling $500 million. Still, the lure of economic benefits hasn’t swayed local sentiment. Most Greenlanders, predominantly of Inuit heritage, prioritize cultural identity and autonomy over integration with larger powers.

Trump’s rhetoric has renewed fears of Arctic militarization, particularly as Russia strengthens its military presence in the region. China, too, has invested heavily in Greenland’s infrastructure, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

Analysts suggest that U.S. control of Greenland would shift the Arctic power balance in America’s favor, potentially weakening Europe’s influence in the region.