Trump threatens Denmark: We will take Greenland by force or by persuasion
US President Donald Trump reignited the diplomatic row with Denmark, reaffirming his determination to proceed with the US plan to acquire Greenland , emphasizing that this would happen "by any means necessary." These remarks further escalate tensions with Copenhagen, which had previously dismissed the idea as "absurd" and reiterated that the island is not for sale.
Fiery statements and security concerns
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump indicated that Denmark's historical ties to the island, dating back to voyages 500 years ago, did not grant it perpetual ownership of the territory. He stated firmly, "I'd like to make a deal the easy way, but if we don't do it the easy way, we'll do it the hard way.".
The US president links his insistence to growing geopolitical concerns, arguing that US control of Greenland is essential for American national security to thwart rival powers. He stated, “We cannot allow Russia or China to occupy Greenland. That is what they will do if we don’t,” referring to the escalating international competition in the Arctic region.
The strategic and economic importance of Greenland
Washington's interest in the world's largest island is not a recent development, but rather is based on important strategic and economic realities:
- Military location: Greenland is home to Thule Air Base, the northernmost US military base, which plays a pivotal role in the ballistic missile early warning system and space surveillance, making it the first line of defense for the United States.
- Natural resources: With the melting of the ice as a result of climate change, the island has become the focus of the world’s attention due to its enormous mineral wealth, including “rare earths” essential for modern technological industries, as well as potential oil and gas reserves.
- Shipping routes: Melting ice is opening up new shipping lanes in the Arctic, shortening global trade routes and increasing the island's logistical importance.
Historical background: This is not the first attempt
It is worth noting that the United States' desire to buy Greenland is not unprecedented; Washington has tried to do so more than once:
In 1946, US President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold to purchase the island, given its strategic importance after World War II, but the offer was rejected. American interest in the island dates back to the 1860s, during the tenure of Secretary of State William Seward.
Tensions within NATO
Trump's statements and the White House's hints that the "military option"—despite its vague details—have raised concerns within NATO. The US administration has acknowledged that the president may face a difficult choice between preserving the alliance's cohesion or proceeding with regional dominance.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded firmly, noting that her country is a founding member of NATO, and that any hostile action against a member of the alliance would have serious consequences that would end existing alliances, describing the idea of selling the island and its inhabitants as out of the question.
