Fresh from the political turmoil in Venezuela, former US President Donald Trump has once again turned his attention to the Arctic, publicly renewing his desire for the United States to take control of Greenland. This provocative stance has dramatically escalated tensions with both Greenland and its sovereign power, Denmark, casting a long shadow over the future of the NATO alliance.
Why Greenland is in Trump's Crosshairs
The world's largest island, Greenland, has been a fixation for Trump for years, though his stated rationale has shifted. In 2019, he infamously framed a potential purchase as a "large real estate deal." More recently, he has cited pressing needs for "economic security" and, crucially, "national security." This strategic pivot underscores the territory's growing geopolitical importance.
Strategically positioned between North America and Russia, Greenland is viewed as an increasingly vital piece in global defence. Its significance is magnified by the climate crisis, which is melting ice sheets and opening new possibilities. The rapid thaw could unlock access to vast reserves of oil, gas, and critical minerals like copper, lithium, cobalt, and nickel—materials essential for green technology and currently dominated by China.
Furthermore, newly navigable Arctic shipping routes offer alternatives to the Suez Canal, slashing journey times between Europe and Asia. The US already maintains a critical military presence at Pituffik (formerly Thule) Air Base, home to a ballistic missile early warning system, making control of the island a paramount defence objective for Washington.
A Diplomatic Crisis and a Fractured History
Trump's ambitions have triggered a fierce transatlantic backlash. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stark warning, stating that any US military attack on a NATO ally—Greenland as part of Denmark—would mean "the end of the alliance." Greenland's own Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, urged Trump to abandon his "fantasies about annexation."
This crisis unfolds against a backdrop of deep-seated tension between Greenland and Denmark. Greenland, while part of the Danish realm with home rule since 1979, has seen growing calls for full independence. Relations have been severely strained by historical grievances, notably the forced contraceptive coil scandal of the 1960s and 70s, which a former Greenlandic leader labelled genocide, and the separation of children from parents.
In a bid to mend ties, Denmark has recently apologised for the IUD scandal and banned controversial "parenting competency" tests. King Frederik X's New Year speech praised Greenlanders' "strength and pride," following a symbolic update to the royal coat of arms to better feature Greenland and the Faroe Islands—a move seen by many as a subtle rebuke to Trump's expansionist rhetoric.
Military Drills and a Unified Front
Amid this geopolitical storm, the practical reality of Arctic security continues. Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian home guard units have recently conducted joint military exercises in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. These drills, focused on identifying potential threats, highlight the ongoing regional cooperation that stands in contrast to Trump's unilateral approach.
In Greenland itself, the spectre of US ambition has fostered political unity. In March, a new four-party coalition government was formed, with the very first line of its agreement declaring: "Greenland belongs to us." The pro-independence Naleraq party, considered the most US-friendly, now sits in opposition after coming second in the last election.
Despite internal desires for greater autonomy, the consensus in Nuuk and Copenhagen is clear: Greenland is not for sale. With Trump aide Stephen Miller insisting the administration is "determined to acquire" the territory, this Arctic standoff threatens to become one of the most significant tests for Western unity in a generation.
