Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — President-elect Donald Trump has once again brought up the prospect of acquiring Greenland, reigniting expansionist ambitions he has hinted at since securing victory in the U.S. presidential election. Trump suggested that economic measures or military force could be on the table to achieve these acquisitions.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Trump refused to rule out military or economic action when asked about his plans for Greenland and the Panama Canal.
“I can’t guarantee either way, but I can tell you that we need them for economic security,” Trump stated, , as reported by Reuters.
Trump has even suggested imposing tariffs on Denmark if the country refuses his offer to purchase Greenland, arguing that the island is essential for U.S. national security.
While at the same day, Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Greenland, sparked speculation about the Trump administration’s true intentions for the Arctic territory. “As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m excited to visit Greenland this week,” Trump Jr. said.
Why Trump Wants Greenland
Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of over 56,000, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Strategically located between the U.S. and Europe, Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is geographically closer to New York than to Copenhagen.
According to CNN, Ulrik Pram Gad, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, noted that the U.S. has long viewed Greenland as a cornerstone of its national security, particularly in countering potential threats from Russia.
Additionally, the Northwest Passage, a crucial maritime route, runs along Greenland’s coast, forming part of the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap, a vital strategic chokepoint.
Greenland Acquiring Attempt
President elect Donald Trump reiterated his controversial proposal to buy Greenland, who had previously expressed interest in purchasing the island. Greenland has twice receive Trump’s proposals to purchase, once in 2019 and again last year, with both declined.
Trump isn’t the first U.S. president to show interest in Greenland. In 1867, President Andrew Johnson explored the possibility of acquiring the island following the purchase of Alaska. In 1946, President Harry S. Truman reportedly offered Denmark $100 million for Greenland, though the offer was declined.
Despite these unsuccessful bids, the U.S. established Thule Air Base (now Pituffik Space Base) in northwest Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement. The base serves as the northernmost U.S. military installation, equipped with missile warning systems.
“[The U.S. wants to ensure] no hostile great power controls Greenland, as it could serve as a foothold for attacks on American soil,” Pram Gad told CNN.
Denmark and Greenland Responds
The Danish government has firmly stated that Greenland, despite its autonomy, is not for sale. “I don’t think financial bargaining is an appropriate way to handle relations between close allies and partners,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement on Tuesday evening, January 7, in response to Trump’s remarks.
Read also : Greenland Signals Readiness for Independence from Denmark, Reject Trump’s Offer
Previously, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede has declared the Arctic island’s readiness to pursue independence from Denmark. In tune with Denmark, Egede firmly reiterated Greenland’s sovereignty, stating, “Greenland belongs to us. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”
As Trump’s rhetoric continues to stir international debate, both Greenland’s strategic importance and its vast resources remain at the center of geopolitical discussions.
(Raidi/Agung)
