Donald Trump proposed the acquisition of Greenland, the world’s largest island, during his inaugural term as president in 2019. Nevertheless, Denmark, which is responsible for the governance of Greenland, rejected the proposal categorically. Undeterred, Trump revisited the concept. Trump, a pragmatic businessman at heart, is renowned for his decisive actions, particularly when an appealing opportunity presents itself.
Trump said, “I’m a dealmaker. That’s good not only in business but in politics too!” during his 2016 presidential campaign when he pledged to be the finest U.S. president. Due to his intuition, he frequently spots opportunities that others fail to recognize. Despite his substantial wealth, the former and potential future president has a proclivity for asking his aides, “What else should I buy, sell, or exchange?” It appears that his leisure activities are negotiation and deal-making.
Trump’s aspiration for reputation motivates him to pursue bold initiatives and elaborate gestures that capture the public’s attention. Greenland, with its immense potential, is an ideal candidate.
It is important to note that Trump’s interest in Greenland is not unprecedented. U.S. Secretary of State William Henry Seward considered acquiring the island in the 1860s, but the concept did not receive a favorable reception. Similarly, in 1946, President Harry Truman proposed to Denmark the acquisition of Greenland for $100 million, with the intention of using it as a strategic buffer against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Rather than accepting the offer, Denmark and the United States collaborated on defense, which resulted in the establishment of a U.S. military base.
Denmark’s Claim to Greenland
The history of Denmark’s relationship with Greenland is intricate, encompassing centuries of political changes, colonization, and exploration. The Norse exploration of Greenland marked the beginning of its early history. Erik the Red discovered the region in 982 AD and subsequently established settlements in it. Nevertheless, these settlements ultimately disappeared by the 15th century as a result of a variety of factors, such as economic decline and climate change. Denmark annexed Greenland in 1380, incorporating the Norwegian kingdom into the Danish Crown. In 1721, missionary Hans Egede led the first significant Danish-Norwegian expedition to Greenland to reestablish Danish presence on the island and convert the Inuit population.
By the late 18th century, Denmark had established complete authority over Greenland during the colonial era. The Danish established a trade monopoly and prohibited other nations from conducting business with the island. Denmark maintained this colonial status until 1953, when they redefined Greenland’s status from a colony to an essential component of their dominion. The discovery of valuable resources like cryolite in the 19th century led to increased Danish investment and control over Greenland’s economy, further solidifying its status as a Danish territory.
World War II significantly altered the relationship between Denmark and Greenland. The occupation of Denmark by Nazi Germany during the war resulted in a change in political relations. During this period, the United States assumed a protective role for Greenland, which resulted in a change in its relationship with Denmark and underscored its strategic significance.
In 1979, Denmark granted ‘Home Rule’ to Greenland, which granted it substantial autonomy in the modern era. Greenland became a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark in 2009, further developing this. Greenland now has its own parliament and administration, but it still depends on Denmark for foreign affairs and defense.
Denmark does not “own” Greenland in a traditional sense today, as it is a self-governing territory. However, the contemporary relationship between the two countries is the result of historical processes such as exploration, colonization, and political evolution. The intricacies of this history are indicative of the broader themes of colonialism and indigenous rights that continue to influence contemporary discussions regarding governance and autonomy in Greenland.
Greenland’s Appeal
The appeal of Greenland stems from its extensive natural resources. The island is believed to contain approximately 83 billion barrels of undiscovered hydrocarbon reserves and 1,550 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, as well as substantial deposits of titanium, nickel, uranium, and iron ore, according to geological surveys. Greenland could function as a long-term strategic reserve for the United States, ensuring the protection of essential resources such as energy, salmon, and water.
Nevertheless, the United States’ historical presence in Greenland has not always been favorable. In 1968, a U.S. B-52 bomber crashed near Thule Air Base, resulting in radioactive contamination of a significant portion of Greenland. The disclosure of the specifics of “Project Iceworm,” a covert plan to install nuclear missiles beneath Greenland’s ice, further strained U.S.-Danish relations. Despite its abandonment, the remnants of the project could potentially pose environmental hazards by discharging buried nuclear waste and diesel fuel through ice melting.
However, Greenland could be a critical component of U.S. strategic objectives, particularly in the context of countering Russia, if Trump were to revive the proposal. Der Spiegel, a German publication, posits that Trump regards the acquisition as a historic transaction comparable to Andrew Johnson’s acquisition of Alaska in 1867 or Thomas Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Both transactions substantially expanded the U.S. territory at bargain prices.
Nevertheless, Denmark is not likely to yield easily. Regardless of whether the government was amenable to the concept, Greenland’s 56,000 residents, granted autonomous governance, would have the ultimate say in a referendum. They may be averse to any modifications that threaten their way of life, which is characterized by a tranquil existence, picturesque fjords, and pure air.
Critics warn that U.S. development may jeopardize the tranquility of Greenland. The prospect of a stampede for land and resources may result in industrialization, which would replace traditional wooden houses with skyscrapers and pollute the pristine environment. However, Trump’s persuasive approach and persistence may present Greenlanders with offers that are too irresistible to turn down.
In response to potential U.S. ambitions, Denmark has increased its military presence in Greenland by allocating $1.5 billion for patrol boats, drones, and specialized personnel, including sled dogs, to deter potential aggression.
For now, Trump’s Greenland vision remains speculative, but his audacity and determination ensure the idea continues to spark debate.