Trump Eyes Greenland Acquisition to Counter China and Russia, Won't Rule Out Military Action

Jan 9, 2025, 12:51 AM

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory home to 56,000 people, citing its strategic importance for U.S. national security. Trump has not ruled out the use of military action or economic measures, such as imposing tariffs on Denmark, to gain control of the Arctic island. He questions Denmark's legal claim to Greenland and suggests that its residents might vote for independence or to join the United States. Experts note that Greenland's rich resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas, as well as its strategic location for missile defense and access to key maritime routes, make it a coveted asset amid growing global competition with China and Russia. The island is already home to a U.S. military base, and Trump's interest aligns with a broader expansionist agenda as part of his 'America First' policy.