The notion of the United States purchasing Greenland has been a topic of discussion for months, but recent developments suggest that President Trump’s administration is more serious about the proposition than initially thought.

A “fiery” phone call between President Donald Trump and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reignited the debate over Greenland’s future, with the US leader’s intentions remaining unclear.

Trump’s unwavering stance on taking over Greenland, despite officials’ repeated assertions that it’s not for sale, has left many in Denmark and Greenland reeling.

At the heart of Trump’s interest in Greenland lies its strategic importance for national security. The island is rich in minerals crucial for technology and defense, including rare earth elements used in mobile phones, electric vehicles, and weapons. With China dominating the global rare earth market, Greenland’s reserves have become increasingly vital to the US.

Trump has been wanting to take over the island nation of 56,000 people since his first term.

Greenland’s location, straddling the shortest route between Europe and North America, makes it a critical spot for the US military and its ballistic missile early-warning system. As China and Russia expand their influence in the Arctic, the US seeks to maintain its dominance in the region.

Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, told Fox that Trump has made it clear “the safety and security of Greenland is important to the United States as China and Russia make significant investments throughout the Arctic region. The President is committed to not only protecting U.S. interests in the Arctic but also working with Greenland to ensure mutual prosperity for both nations”.

“He was very firm,” a source told the Financial Times, describing Trump’s tone during the phone call. “It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious, and potentially very dangerous.”

The phone call was “fiery” with one official calling it “horrendous”, per the Financial Times.

The call “utterly freaked out” the Danes, one Danish official said. “The intent was very clear,” another official told the outlet. “They want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode.”

Trump’s aggressive pursuit of Greenland has been met with resistance from Denmark and Greenland. Frederiksen has emphasised that Greenland is not for sale, and its Prime Minister, Mute Edege, has reiterated that the island’s people do not want to be part of the US.

However, repeatedly, the US says that Greenland is important for its national security. Despite Frederiksen’s offer to increase the cooperation between Greenland and US on military bases and resources, Trump was aggressive and confrontational. Moreover he has not ruled out the possible use of military force in Greenland.

“For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” Trump wrote on Truth Social last month.

Residents of Greenland have also expressed their distrust of Trump and his intentions. “I don’t trust the guy,” Bilo Chemnitz, a resident of Nuuk, told The Washington Post. “I want Greenland to stay like it is.”

“I don’t like the way he talks about Greenland,” resident Ida Abelsen similarly told the Post.

The diplomatic relations between the US and Denmark have been put to the test, as Trump’s pursuit of Greenland continues to garner attention and criticism.
 

Washington DC:

Donald Trump’s plan to buyout Greenland has taken a serious turn. Republicans have started gathering support in the House of Representatives to pass a new bill to authorise the US President to enter formal negotiations to purchase Greenland.

The bill titled ‘Make Greenland Great Again Act’ is being circulated to gather co-sponsors for it. As of Monday, the bill already had 10 sponsors. It is being led by Republican congressman Andy Ogles and congresswoman Diana Harshbarger.

This makes it official that Donald Trump, who will become US President next week, is serious about buying Greenland and making its a part of the United States. He had said it on multiple occasions in recent weeks and had even asked his advisers back in 2019 – during his previous term as President – how it can be done.

President-elect Trump has even made it clear that under his presidency, the US will not hesitate the use of the military and economic measures to persuade Denmark and Greenland if a buyout option is declined by either of them.

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Greenland is a matter of US national security and Washington under the Trump administration will go to any extent on matters of national security, Donald Trump has said.

After the historic win in the November 5 US presidential election, Donald Trump’s Republican Party has a majority in both the House of Representatives as well as the Senate. This makes it simpler for Donald Trump to execute his plans without too many hurdles in the way.

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According to the draft of the ‘Make Greenland Great Again Act’, “Congress hereby authorizes the President, beginning at 12:01 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 20, 2025, to seek to enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to secure the acquisition of Greenland by the United States.”

It further states that “Not later than 5 calendar days after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark relating to the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the agreement, including all related materials and annexes.”

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Should the bill be passed, Donald Trump can officially and legally take action as desired to acquire Greenland as soon as he takes office after his inauguration on January 20.

Greenland is a colony of Denmark. It is a semi-sovereign state and depends on the Kingdom of Denmark for all matters of foreign affairs and security. For centuries now, Denmark controls Greenland even though calls for the largest island’s independence have been around for decades.

Greenland is part of Denmark’s constitution and Copenhagen will have to amend its constitution in order to give Greenland its full sovereignty and freedom. Amid Donald Trump’s threat to buy out Greenland, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has appealed for a push for the island’s full independence. He has also said that Greenland is not for sale and that the ultimate decision of its future will be have to be taken by the residents of Greenland.