Greenland, the world’s largest island, is experiencing a reprise of that uncertainty today. Now, former President Donald Trump is back to saying he’d like to “take” the territory. His previous assertions that he could purchase Greenland have freaked out the locals. Greenlanders, of all political persuasions, feel rightfully threatened and insulted by the implications of his statements. As diplomatic conversations continue, the island’s leaders remain resolute in their stance: Greenland is not for sale.
Trump’s fascination with Greenland is not new. When he first introduced the bill in 2019, it was to draw the line that would allow U.S. dominion over the island. Now, with the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, he’s making his move once again. Unfortunately, he chose to raise the issue again at a critical moment. He argues that controlling Greenland is vital to our national security and the pursuit of its natural resources.
“Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document.” – Donald Trump
The reasons for Trump’s interest have divided analysts and politicians ever since. Some suggest that the former president is keen on accessing Greenland’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals, which are critical for various modern technologies. That said, Greenland does have some of the toughest mining and extraction regulations in the world, which could make any future projects difficult endeavors.
Greenland’s foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt has stated unequivocally that the island’s sovereignty is not up for discussion. As a Greenlander, she explained boldly, you always have the option to be proud of who you are. They certainly don’t like having their land treated like an asset. At the same time, Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has been firm in restating Denmark’s commitment to Greenland’s independence in the face of foreign pressure.
Today, the United States still occupies the island with military bases and forces. The Greenland Defence Agreement of 1951 enables this, allowing for an expanded military footprint. This deal highlights the heightened strategic significance of Greenland, especially amidst the current backdrop of rising great power competition. The reality of this predicament has exacerbated sentiments of precarity among the surrounding community. On top of their anxiety, Trump keeps demanding more U.S. control.
It’s in that context that U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently visited to shore up relations. His intent was to arrange a properly official visit to Greenland. His request was surprisingly snubbed by U.S. local leaders, who were furious at Washington’s plans and made their feelings loudly known. This one incident encapsulates the increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, and the desire of Greenlanders to exercise their self-determination free from foreign interference.
On Wednesday, those interested parties entered as serious and diplomatic converging on Greenland. They directly addressed the fear and anxiety that had been generated by Trump’s comments. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio jumped into the dialogue, calling for dialogue and collaboration to achieve shared goals. Beyond the political stunts, he did acknowledge some real complications in U.S.-Greenland relations.
Greenlanders have good reason to worry about their future as long as Trump’s threats are hanging over them. To them, it does not matter that their hometown is being put in jeopardy by the national dreams of others. The constant rumor mill regarding ownership has left many locals with a deep sense of anxiety, who deeply value their territory and way of life.