Here is a clear explanation of why U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take control of Greenland — a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark — and what his motivations are (based on current reporting from multiple sources):
1. Geostrategic and National Security Reasons:
Trump and his administration have framed Greenland’s location as strategically vital for U.S. defense. Greenland lies between the U.S., Russia and Europe, and sits on key Arctic airspace routes and military chokepoints. Controlling Greenland more directly, Trump argues, would strengthen U.S. missile defense systems (including plans like the so-called “Golden Dome”) and monitoring of strategic Arctic approaches.
This strategic interest stems from concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, particularly as melting ice from climate change opens the region to increased military operations and commercial shipping.
2. Natural Resources and Economic Considerations:
Greenland has significant untapped natural resources, including rare earth minerals, fossil fuels, and other minerals used in high-tech industries and defense supply chains. Rare earth elements, for example, are essential for electronics and renewable technologies, and the U.S. currently relies on imports — especially from China — for many of these.
Although Trump often downplays the mineral narrative, many analysts believe access to these resources plays a role in his push.
3. Historical and Personal Rationale:
Trump has described the desire for control over Greenland in very strong terms, saying it is “psychologically important” to him personally, and framing it as an example of American strength.
He compares this kind of territorial acquisition to historical purchases like Alaska, which the U.S. bought from Russia in 1867. Trump’s rhetoric suggests he sees Greenland as a “deal” to be made — though Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale.
4. Diplomatic Impact and International Reaction:
Trump’s statements have strained relations with Denmark and other European allies because Greenland is a Danish territory and part of the NATO alliance. Denmark and Greenlandic leaders have firmly rejected ownership transfer without their consent.
Recent reporting indicates that Trump backed off on threats of force and is now focusing on negotiating a framework deal involving Arctic security cooperation with NATO partners rather than annexation.
5. Practical and Legal Challenges:
Even if the U.S. wanted to acquire Greenland, there are significant legal and diplomatic barriers:
Greenland is self-governing, and any transfer of sovereignty would require the consent of both Greenland’s people and Denmark.
Using force against an allied country’s territory would breach international law and likely destabilize NATO.
However, Greenland is not actually for sale, and both Denmark and Greenland have resisted U.S. acquisition efforts. Current developments suggest the focus has shifted toward strengthening military cooperation and Arctic security rather than outright annexation.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-19/why-does-trump-want-greenland-could-he-really-take-over-the-danish-territory
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