US Should Own And Control Greenland
President-elect Donald Trump has once again expressed his interest in the United States purchasing Greenland, prompting the island’s leadership to reiterate that it’s not on the market.
On Sunday, while announcing his choice of PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as the U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Trump described American ownership of Greenland as an “absolute necessity.”
The United States views the ownership and control of Greenland as crucial to ensuring national security and promoting freedom worldwide, according to a statement by Donald Trump. “Ken will do an excellent job representing the interests of the United States,” Trump added.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede, was quick to shut down the notion. In a Facebook post, he wrote, according to a translated statement: “Greenland belongs to us.
We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must protect the hard-fought freedom we have achieved over the years. However, we remain committed to cooperation and trade with the global community, particularly with our neighbors.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, having expressed a similar interest during his previous administration.
Mette Frederiksen, Denmark’s prime minister, who leads the country with sovereignty over the self-governing island, dismissed the idea at the time, calling it “absurd.”
Reelected in 2022, Frederiksen’s office shared a statement with ABC News, saying, “The Danish government looks forward to welcoming the new American ambassador and working closely with the new administration.”
In today’s complex geopolitical climate, transatlantic cooperation has never been more vital, the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized. Regarding comments about Greenland, the office reiterated its position, pointing to earlier remarks from Greenland’s Premier, who firmly stated that while Greenland is not for sale, it remains open to collaboration.
During the first Trump administration, the U.S. provided Greenland with $12 million in economic development aid, partly aimed at bolstering its energy and natural resource sectors. Additionally, the U.S. reopened a consulate in Greenland, marking a significant diplomatic step after decades of absence.
The U.S. military also maintains a strategic presence on the island through the Pituffik Space Base, its northernmost installation, located along Greenland’s coast.
Greenland boasts an abundance of valuable resources, including rare earth elements, precious metals, gemstones, coal, graphite, and uranium. However, the harsh climate and challenging geography have complicated efforts to establish commercially viable mining operations.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Association, if developed, Greenland’s rare earth reserves could rank among the top five globally.
Trump-era officials underscored Greenland’s strategic importance as the world’s largest island, particularly amid increased Arctic activities by China and Russia.
Kelly Howery, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Sweden under Trump, expressed gratitude for being chosen as the top U.S. diplomat in Greenland.
“Representing our great nation on the global stage is a profound responsibility,” Howery shared on social media. “I’ve seen firsthand how diplomacy can advance American interests and strengthen alliances. I am honored to return to Europe to support the President’s vision.”
Howery did not comment on Trump’s earlier claim that U.S. ownership of Greenland was an “absolute necessity.” Instead, he focused on fostering collaboration. “I look forward to working with the dedicated teams at U.S. Embassy Copenhagen and the U.S. Consulate in Nuuk to deepen the bonds between our nations,” he said.