Official statements or documents from the U.S. government

Trump Eyes Greenland for Oil, Gas, and Critical Minerals Amid National Security Concerns

Jan 17, 2025, 05:26 PM

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has reignited discussions about acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory, for strategic and resource-related reasons. Trump's interest in Greenland is driven by its vast reserves of oil, gas, and critical minerals, which have become more accessible due to the island's melting ice, potentially sparking a mineral gold rush. The proposal has drawn varying degrees of interest from Republican lawmakers, with some viewing it as a strategic move against China's growing influence in the Arctic, citing national security concerns. Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede has emphasized the territory's desire for independence and strong cooperation with the U.S., while firmly stating that Greenland is not for sale. The geopolitical implications of Trump's interest have sparked debates on Arctic governance and the potential for increased competition over trade routes and resources, particularly over rare earth metals.