Several months ago, former President Donald Trump made headlines when he declared his intention to buy Greenland. He underscored the strategic value of the territory to the United States. During his remarks, Trump emphasized one specific deal framework that he says is “pretty far along.” He claimed that this deal would ensure critical mineral rights and help meet American security needs in the Arctic.
During his presidency, Trump personally attacked then-Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney had called on these same middle powers to take their stand earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump accused Carney of being ungrateful to the United States, stating, “Canada lives because of the United States.” This assertion underlines Trump’s all-too-typical conception of America’s outsized power on its northern border.
During an interview with CNBC, Trump clarified that while he is eager to pursue negotiations regarding Greenland, he would not resort to military force. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” he declared. He commented on the possible long-term nature of any agreement, saying that if done right, a deal could last “forever.”
Trump couldn’t have decided to lease Greenland from Denmark, so he dismissed the idea. Ownership must be fought for, he strongly argued, not just bargained for moments of use. He is currently pursuing urgent, good faith negotiations to ensure mutually beneficial ownership. He is calling on world leaders to back the U.S. claim to the disputed territory. Further, he emphasized the importance of sticking to direct negotiations. During this journey, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will report directly to him.
The former president boasted on his recent threats to impose tariffs on those European countries that did not accept U.S. sovereignty over Greenland. After participating in high-level discussions with NATO allies, he’s scrapped those plans. He blasted French President Emmanuel Macron and said for years, France had “stolen” from the U.S.
Trump further elaborated on the potential benefits of acquiring Greenland, stating, “This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America and all NATO nations.” He referenced the misbegotten planned Golden Dome missile defense system as part of discussions about the territory’s strategic importance.
As negotiations come onto the table, this should give Trump’s administration the intellectual hardware needed to cultivate a diplomatic attitude over a hostile one. “You can say yes and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember,” he warned, indicating that he expects accountability from international leaders regarding their responses.
Given the weight of Trump’s statements, it is no wonder that political commentators are watching with bated breath as new storylines unfold concerning Greenland. Analysts are already emphasizing how the deal might drastically change U.S. strategic interests in the Arctic.
“The day is ending on a better note than it began.” – Lars Løkke Rasmussen
“Now, let’s sit down and find out how we can address the American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark.” – Lars Løkke Rasmussen