Trump: The world is unsafe without American control of Greenland
In new remarks that have sparked widespread controversy in international political circles, former US President and presidential candidate Donald Trump linked global security to complete US control over Greenland. This came in a letter Trump sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, which included a pointed rebuke for not awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize, reflecting Trump's continued interest in this strategic region and his strong desire for recognition of his foreign policy achievements.
A message of reproach to Norway: There is no commitment to peace without the Nobel Prize
Trump released excerpts from his letter on Monday, in which he addressed the Norwegian prime minister in harsh terms, stating that the world would remain “unsafe” as long as Washington did not assert its control over Greenland. Trump went further, linking his future commitment to working for peace to receiving the international recognition he believes he deserves.
In his controversial post, Trump wrote: “Since your country decided not to award me the Nobel Peace Prize after I stopped more than eight wars, I no longer feel obligated to work solely for peace.” This statement reflects Trump’s sense of injustice toward the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the Peace Prize, comparing himself to previous presidents who have received it.
Historical background: The dream of buying Greenland
This is not the first time Trump has raised the issue of Greenland. In August 2019, news made headlines worldwide that Trump (then president) wanted to buy the Danish crown island. This proposal was met with staunch rejection from the Danish government and its prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, who described the idea as “absurd,” leading to a temporary diplomatic row and Trump’s cancellation of a planned visit to Copenhagen.
Greenland is the world's largest island and enjoys broad self-governance under Danish sovereignty. While the idea might seem unusual in modern diplomacy, the United States has a history of attempting to purchase the island, having made a similar offer in 1946 after World War II, given its sensitive geopolitical location.
The strategic importance of Greenland in international conflict
Trump's interest in Greenland extends beyond real estate deals; the island occupies a vital strategic location in the Arctic region, which is witnessing increasing competition among great powers, particularly the United States, Russia, and China. The island hosts Thule Air Base, the northernmost US military base, which plays a pivotal role in the ballistic missile early warning system and space surveillance.
In addition to its military significance, Greenland is rich in vast untapped natural resources, including rare earth minerals essential for modern technology industries, as well as oil and gas. With the melting of its ice sheet due to climate change, these resources have become more easily extractable, and new shipping lanes have opened up, increasing international interest in the region and making control of it a valuable asset in the global balance of power.
