Greenland, the world’s largest island, has once again become a focal point in international politics as the Trump administration signals that the U.S. is considering all options—including military involvement—to secure influence over the Arctic territory. Its location and natural resources make it a critical player in North American defense and global security.
More than two-thirds of Greenland lies within the Arctic Circle, giving it a strategic position for monitoring Arctic waters, supporting missile defense, and controlling the GIUK Gap—a crucial naval corridor for NATO.
White House Signals National Security Priority
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that President Trump views Greenland as a key national security priority, particularly to counter growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander in chief’s disposal,” Leavitt said.
Trump first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland during his first term. The proposal resurfaced after a U.S. operation that saw Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro seized, with Trump citing Greenland’s strategic importance as justification.
Despite this, some officials have downplayed the likelihood of military action. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Trump’s special envoy to Greenland, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller have both suggested that direct intervention is unnecessary. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday that he does not consider military action “appropriate.”
Allies Defend Greenland’s Sovereignty
The White House statement drew swift pushback from Denmark and its allies. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the U.K. joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in reaffirming that Greenland “belongs to its people.” They stressed that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the island’s future.
Canada also expressed support, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing a visit next month to Greenland by Governor General Mary Simon, who is of Inuit descent, and Foreign Minister Anita Anand. “The future of Greenland and Denmark are decided solely by the people of Denmark,” Carney said while standing alongside Frederiksen.
Governor Landry emphasized he wants to speak directly with Greenlanders rather than Danish or European officials. “I want to talk to people who want an opportunity to improve the quality of life in Greenland,” he said, joking that Greenlanders’ love of hunting and fishing reminds him of Louisiana.
Greenland’s Strategic and Economic Significance
Greenland has been central to U.S. and NATO defense since World War II. The Pituffik Space Base in the northwest, established under a 1951 agreement with Denmark, supports missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance operations. The island also guards part of the GIUK Gap—Greenland, Iceland, and the U.K.—a key maritime corridor for monitoring Russian naval movements.
In addition to its military role, Greenland holds vast natural resources. The island has rich deposits of rare earth minerals essential for electronics, batteries, and renewable energy technologies. The U.S. Geological Survey has also identified potential offshore oil and gas reserves.
While Greenland gained self-rule in 2009 and has the legal right to pursue independence, most residents favor remaining part of Denmark. For now, the island’s future rests with its people, even as the United States and other global powers continue to weigh its strategic and economic importance.
