According to several sources close to President Trump, he has, on more than one occasion, floated the idea of acquiring Greenland to make it a U.S. territory. Maybe it was just a joke, or perhaps it’s an idea he has regularly considered to be a realistic possibility. Either way, there’s no doubt that the real estate mogul has eyes on Greenland for many reasons.
Currently, Greenland is a Danish territory and has been part of the Scandinavian heritage ever since Vikings first landed there over a thousand years ago. The president has asked his advisors on more than one occasion, mostly as dinner talk and in passing, what it would take for the U.S. to take Greenland under our wing.
The advisors were said to have been listening with a certain amount of interest. Greenland has vast natural resources and is situated in an important location, so there’s geopolitical significance. It wouldn’t be a dumb idea, but whether it could actually happen is another thing. Still, Trump was said to have asked his advisors to look into the idea, so we know he’s at least semi-serious.
Greenland’s Response
Greenland is the world’s largest island and is made up of mostly ice. It has a tiny population of just 56,000 and self-governs while being a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Its own government makes the decision on domestic issues, but whether Greenland becomes a part of the U.S. is up to Copenhagen, Denmark, where the true seat of power is.
Greenland’s foreign ministry made a tweet today in response to the news. They stated that Greenland is open for business, but it’s not for sale. They then went on to list all of the amazing natural resources Greenland has to offer in a bid to increase tourism and perhaps some more lucrative trade deals.
With that being said, Greenland is an important defense partner with the United States. They have a signed treaty that goes back several decades and it allows the U.S. nearly unlimited troop access to America’s northernmost base around 750 miles above the frigid Arctic Circle. The base is Thule Air Base and houses the U.S. Air Force Space Command and others.
The U.S. isn’t the only country trying to get a foothold into Greenland. China has also been after the country’s rich natural resources. The Trump administration has been looking at ways to prevent China from getting their talons in and taking what they want. China attempted to finance three airports in Greenland, but the Pentagon was able to block it from happening.
Whether anyone would be able to take Greenland from Denmark is questionable, but there will certainly be an increase in attention as more countries look for better resources.
