Former President Donald Trump, of course, was hardly the first to propose that the U.S. buy or annex Greenland, the world’s largest island. He accomplished that goal by announcing new tariffs aimed directly at Denmark. This bold maneuver reflects the American inclination to reclaim U.S. strategic interests in Greenland. This historic region within the Arctic Circle is endowed with critical raw materials, making its future vital to North American and European defense and tech supply chains.
Greenland, home to about 56,000 mostly Indigenous Inuit people, lies geographically within North America. It is located between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. Curiously, its capital, Nuuk, is over 1,800 miles from New York City, closer to New York than Copenhagen itself, which lies just over 2,174 miles from Nuuk.
Strategic Importance of Greenland
The strategic importance of Greenland is hard to understate. The island offers the fastest air and sea lanes between North America and Europe. This critical command helps in deterring adversaries and characterizing the threat, protects U.S. military operations, and improves missile early-warning systems. Since World War II, the continental United States has maintained a permanent U.S. presence at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. This came on the heels of their occupation of the territory after Nazi Germany invaded Denmark. For more than 150 years, various countries have attempted to purchase Greenland. Significant pushes by President Harry S. Truman in 1946 and Secretary of State William H. Seward immediately after the Alaska purchase in 1867.
The announcement of these punitive tariffs has spurred immediate and sharp rebuke from these Danish officials and our European allies. Political leaders in Denmark and Greenland continued to speak out, and rightly so, because the island is certainly not for sale. Keir Starmer, a prominent figure in British politics, stated:
“The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused.” – Donald Trump
David van Weel, a Danish politician, described Trump’s actions as “blackmail,” asserting that they do not benefit either NATO or Greenland:
“Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back – World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.” – Donald Trump
Response from Denmark and European Allies
The European Union joined Denmark in expressing this solidarity, going so far as to call it an attack on the EU itself. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that dialogue remains crucial:
“Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.” – Keir Starmer
She cautioned that Trump’s proposed tariffs could lead to a dangerous decline in transatlantic relations.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.” – Keir Starmer
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas further remarked on the implications of Trump’s actions:
“It’s blackmail what he’s doing… and it’s not necessary. It doesn’t help the alliance [NATO], and it also doesn’t help Greenland.” – David van Weel
EU’s Stance on the Issue
Opposing this narrative from the other side is the vast and vocal resistance by Indigenous Greenlanders to industrial-scale mining projects. The island is rich in minerals such as gypsum, bentonite, and zeolite, classified “critical raw materials” by the European Union. Residents are concerned with the impacts to the environment and loss of local culture.
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.” – Ursula von der Leyen
She cautioned that Trump’s proposed tariffs could lead to a dangerous decline in transatlantic relations:
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.” – Ursula von der Leyen
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas further remarked on the implications of Trump’s actions:
“China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among Allies.” – Kaja Kallas
Indigenous Concerns Over Mining
Adding another layer to the discussion is the opposition from many Indigenous residents of Greenland toward large-scale mining operations. While the island is rich in minerals including those classified as “critical raw materials” by the EU, there are concerns regarding environmental impacts and cultural preservation.
