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James Stavridis, the former NATO supreme allied commander, has expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s proposal to acquire Greenland, emphasizing the island’s immense strategic and economic value to the United States.
Speaking during an interview with radio host John Catsimatidis on WABC’s “The Cats Roundtable,” Stavridis dismissed criticisms of the idea, calling it anything but “crazy.”
“It’s not a crazy idea. We could do an awful lot in terms of business, investment, box out the Russians, box out the Chinese, and work very closely with Greenland,” Stavridis explained.
He described Greenland as a “strategic goldmine” due to its location, natural resources, and significance in global geopolitics.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is strategically located at the top of the North Atlantic, serving as a key point for defending approaches to North America. According to Stavridis, this geographic position enhances its importance as a strategic asset. “It protects approaches to our own country.
It’s geographically very important. It’s full of strategic minerals, rare earth, probably a lot of gold. It’s got a lot of natural resources,” he stated.
Stavridis went on to clarify that Greenland doesn’t necessarily have to become a U.S. state to benefit American interests. “It doesn’t have to become the 51st state, but it can certainly be an economic objective for us,” he said, suggesting that partnerships and investments could be viable alternatives to outright acquisition.
Trump’s idea to purchase Greenland first surfaced last week and immediately ignited global discussions. While some dismissed the concept as outlandish, Stavridis argued that it holds merit when evaluated from a strategic standpoint.
He also pointed to Greenland’s willingness to foster business partnerships. “The Prime Minister of Greenland said, ‘We are not for sale. But we are open for business.’ I think we ought to take him at his word,” Stavridis said.
Despite Trump’s ambitions, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, firmly rejected the possibility of the island being sold. In a statement on Friday, Egede declared, “Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.”
However, Egede did not entirely close the door on discussions, noting that he is “ready” to talk with Trump if necessary.
Stavridis’ remarks underscore Greenland’s significance in global politics and its potential as a valuable partner for the U.S. He pointed out that competition over the Arctic and its resources has already attracted interest from major powers such as Russia and China.
Strengthening ties with Greenland could help the U.S. secure a foothold in the region while safeguarding critical routes and resources.
Trump’s proposal, while controversial, highlights broader questions about the evolving importance of the Arctic and the untapped opportunities Greenland represents.
Stavridis suggested that the U.S. should seize the opportunity to engage with Greenland economically and strategically, ensuring that American interests are well-positioned in the face of rising global competition.
While Greenland’s leadership remains firm in maintaining autonomy, its openness to business could pave the way for mutually beneficial collaborations.
For Stavridis, Trump’s idea, although unconventional, represents a forward-thinking approach to leveraging the island’s value for both economic growth and national security.
