Elaina Batista Asst. Social Media Editor
In the beginning of January, President Trump intensified his push for making Greenland part of the United States, arguing that it was vital for national security. Trump and even some of his advisors argue that Greenland is essential for the protection of the United States and even parts of Europe against Russia and China. On Jan. 17, the president announced that he would apply an extra 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland. It would begin on Feb. 1, and increase to 25% on June 1. The tariffs he said would apply “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 21, Trump announced that he had reached a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and proceeded to withdraw his tariff threat of ten percent, regardless that both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale.
This discussion of Greenland is tied to Washington’s proposed “Golden Dome,” a multilayered missile defense program designed to counter aerial threats. While presidents prior to Trump have also viewed Greenland as a strategically valuable military location, its importance extends beyond defense considerations. Greenland is home to significant natural resources including oil, gas and rare earth minerals. Furthermore, as the Arctic ice melts due to the climate issue, northern shipping routes may become more accessible year-round, increasing the significance of the area.
U.S. interest in Greenland originated in the 19th century when then Secretary of State William H. Seward proposed purchasing Greenland and Iceland from Denmark after acquiring Alaska from the Russians in 1867. Trump first announced his interest in Greenland during his first term in 2019, but was shut down by Greenlandic and Danish authorities and the topic was quickly picked back up after the 2024 election.
The notion of Trump invading Greenland lacks any viable legal or political pathway, as such an action would violate the sovereignty of a NATO ally. Nevertheless, Trump and his aides maintained that they were never seriously contemplating an invasion; rather, their refusal to rule it out publicly was intended to enhance Trump’s negotiating leverage.
At a press conference earlier this month, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, stated, “We are not in a situation where we believe a takeover of the country could happen overnight.” Additionally, Tillie Martinussen, a former member of Greenland’s parliament, stated “We’re not just a block of ice,” she said in an interview on Wednesday. “We are human beings. We have elderly people here who are so afraid right now. We have children that are afraid of the United States.” She continued to say that some Greenlanders have been scared of invaders, that people have been gathering emergency supplies and some hunters are taking out their rifles.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that if the deal goes through, “…the United States will be achieving all of its strategic goals with respect to Greenland, at very little cost, forever.”