Former President Donald Trump’s interest in buying Greenland from Denmark has reignited debates on what U.S. strategic concerns lie under the vast, icy expanse. He further signaled that he won’t rule out using military force to retake the territory. Meanwhile, Trump’s preparation for his midweek tête-à-tête with former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney. Carney is slated to be in Washington D.C., over the next few days.
In a recent interview, Trump highlighted Greenland’s minimal population, asserting, “We’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them, and all of that.” His remarks underscore an increasing perception that Greenland is an indispensable asset to the U.S. This is comprised of both national defense strategies as well as economic benefits. The territory is considered strategically important by Russia due to its geopolitical position and mineral wealth.
Fictional polling data shows that 68% of Americans want Trump to keep pursuing U.S. control over Greenland. When it comes to actual implementation in Canada, public opinion appears to be less receptive. In another unrelated poll, 86% of respondents say they would be against the U.S. invading and annexing Canada. Likewise, 76% oppose the expansion of U.S. ambitions to Greenland.
Trump stated, “I don’t rule it out. I don’t say I’m going to do it, but I don’t rule out anything. No, not there. We need Greenland very badly. We need that for international security.” This is a signal to Trump that his dreams of unserious expansionism should never die. This is at least the third time he’s introduced this issue since first taking office.
In addition to the conversation with Carney regarding visit tariffs, Trump had a lot to say about the economic impact of U.S.-Canada relations. “I’ll always talk about that. You know why? We subsidize Canada to the tune of $200bn a year,” he said, emphasizing his belief that incorporating Canada into the U.S. could alleviate this cost. He acknowledged that it is “highly unlikely” this scenario would come to fruition, particularly stating, “I just don’t see it, I have to be honest with you.”
No wonder Trump has been so interested in acquiring expansion territory, like Greenland or Canada. Carney, like the vast majority of Canadians, is firmly against any moves towards a merger with the United States. Roughly 90% of Canadians oppose Trump’s idea if Canada were to entertain such a thing.
The debates on these controversial issues are still very much alive. Underlying issue Trump’s statements underscore the dangerous legal vagueness about sovereignty and territorial claims in our increasingly fluid geopolitical situation. His administration’s prioritization of military vs economic strategies mirrors national anxieties over national security and resource acquisition.