Donald Trump continues to openly express his ambition to 'annex' Greenland

Former US President Donald Trump has reignited his controversial idea of acquiring Greenland, stating that the United States will ultimately gain control of the icy island for the sake of "world freedom." 

Speaking aboard Air Force One on January 25, Trump expressed confidence in the prospect, asserting that the people of Greenland are inclined toward joining the United States.

"I think we will buy Greenland," Trump told reporters. He added, "I think the people of Greenland want to be with the Americans."

Trump also took a critical stance on Denmark, saying, "I don't know what Denmark will ask for. But I think they are not friendly if they don't agree to let the US have Greenland, because the intention of buying Greenland is to protect the free world."

Trump continued to highlight the strategic and ideological significance of acquiring Greenland. "I think we will get Greenland because this move is related to world freedom," he stated. "The US is capable of giving them freedom. Denmark is not."

His remarks follow a tense exchange with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who firmly rejected the notion of selling Greenland during a 45-minute phone call last week. Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is "not for sale," emphasizing the island’s autonomy.

Greenland Premier Múte Egede also weighed in on the matter, stating that decisions about the island’s land use are solely "Greenland's business." 

However, Egede expressed a willingness to deepen cooperation with the United States on defense and mining. This stance reflects Greenland’s ongoing strategic relevance and its rich natural resources, which remain largely untapped.

Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to his first term in 2019 when he first floated the idea of purchasing the world's largest Arctic island.

He has repeatedly described Greenland as essential to international security, emphasizing its strategic location on the shortest route between North America and Europe. The island's position between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans makes it a critical asset for geopolitical and defense purposes.

Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory since 1814, spans approximately 2.16 million square kilometers and has a population of about 57,000.

Despite its sparse population and harsh climate, the island is believed to possess vast reserves of natural resources, including iron ore, lead, zinc, diamonds, gold, rare earth elements, uranium, and oil.

However, much of this wealth remains inaccessible due to the ice covering about 80% of the island. Researchers also estimate that Greenland’s surrounding seabed contains significant oil reserves, adding to its economic potential.

Historically, the United States has shown interest in acquiring Greenland on multiple occasions. Since 1967, US administrations have approached Denmark about the possibility of transferring ownership at least four times. These efforts underscore the island’s enduring importance to American strategic interests.

Trump’s latest comments have sparked mixed reactions among Greenlanders. A fishing boat captain in Kapisillit remarked that while locals "welcome Mr. Trump to visit," the island unequivocally "belongs to Greenlanders." This sentiment reflects the broader resistance to external interference in Greenland’s affairs.

Kaaleeraq Ringsted, a local church elder, voiced strong disapproval of Trump’s claims, emphasizing that "Greenland is not for sale." His remarks highlight the deep-seated attachment of the Greenlandic people to their homeland and their autonomy.

The renewed discussion around Greenland’s future also raises questions about the balance between its sovereignty and its global significance. While Denmark and Greenland firmly reject any sale of the island, the prospect of increased US collaboration in defense and resource extraction suggests potential avenues for strengthening ties.

However, Trump’s framing of Greenland as a matter of "world freedom" and his criticism of Denmark may strain diplomatic relations further.

The strategic importance of Greenland, coupled with its untapped resources, ensures that it will remain a focal point of geopolitical interest.

Trump’s assertion that Greenlanders want closer ties with the US has added a new layer to the ongoing discourse about the island’s role on the global stage. Despite his confidence, the staunch opposition from both Denmark and Greenland suggests that any ambitions to acquire the territory will face significant challenges.