US President-elect Donald Trump has revived his controversial ambition to acquire Greenland, describing the mineral-rich Arctic island as vital to US national security and economic interests.
Trump’s comments, made during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, have reignited global debate and tensions with Denmark and Greenland’s pro-independence leaders.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a self-governing territory of Denmark with a population of around 57,000.
Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of purchasing the island, which he described as “a large real estate deal” essential for its strategic Arctic position and valuable natural resources, including rare earth minerals. Despite international pushback, Trump doubled down on the proposal, stating on his social media platform Truth Social that the island’s ownership is an “absolute necessity” for US national security.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded firmly, reiterating that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders” confirming the island is not for sale. Her stance was echoed by Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede, who has been campaigning for the island’s independence. “Our future is ours to shape,” Egede asserted, calling on Greenlanders to resist external pressures.
Donald Trump Jr. made a surprise visit to Greenland, describing the reception as “incredible” and praising the island’s residents.
Greenland is beautiful!!! 🇬🇱 pic.twitter.com/PKoeeCafPz
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 7, 2025
Meanwhile, Denmark’s King Frederick unveiled a redesigned royal coat of arms that prominently features Greenland and the Faroe Islands, seen as a symbolic gesture of unity amid rising tensions.
The US president-elect’s broader foreign policy vision includes other plans such as regaining control of the Panama Canal and even renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” Both Panama and Canada have publicly rebuffed Trump’s proposals, highlighting concerns over US expansionism.
Greenland’s strategic importance has grown as new Arctic shipping lanes open up passage and resource opportunities, drawing interest from global powers, including the US, Russia, and China.
Denmark has announced a significant increase in defense spending for Greenland.
America could conquer Denmark in two days, let’s be honest here.
Just let them take the island and rename it to Orangeland 😆
From senile to madman.
We live indeed in dangerous times
Always have been 🌎🧑🚀🔫🧑🚀
In God we trust ? But still did not learn yet the 10 commendments !!!!