Donald Trump has vowed to “100%” follow through on his threat to impose tariffs on european countries who oppose his demand to take control of Greenland.
European allies have rallied around Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark’s foreign minister emphasised the US president cannot threaten his way to ownership of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated the UK’s position that the future of“`html
Donald Trump’s Past Interest in Greenland and Recent Comments
Table of Contents
Former President Donald Trump repeatedly expressed interest in purchasing Greenland during his presidency, and recently reiterated his view that Europe should prioritize the conflict in Ukraine over the territory. His comments, made at a South Carolina rally on January 19, 2024, sparked renewed discussion about his foreign policy perspectives.
Initial Pursuit of Greenland (2019)
In August 2019, Donald Trump publicly inquired about the possibility of the United States purchasing Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The idea was met with swift and firm rejection from both Danish and Greenlandic officials.
The initial interest stemmed from Trump’s reported fascination with the island’s strategic location and potential natural resources. He reportedly asked advisors about the feasibility of a purchase, even suggesting a potential land swap.
Example: According to a Wall Street Journal report, Trump “repeatedly asked his staff about whether the U.S. could buy Greenland,” and even joked about offering Denmark a “deal” involving the U.S. Virgin Islands. Source: the Wall Street Journal
Danish and Greenlandic Responses
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen publicly dismissed Trump’s suggestion as “absurd” and stated that Greenland was not for sale. Greenland’s government echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its autonomy and lack of interest in being sold.
The Greenlandic government, led at the time by Kim Kielsen, issued a statement clarifying its position. They emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance and its desire to maintain its relationship with Denmark.
Example: Greenland’s Foreign Minister, Ane Lone Strøm, stated on Twitter (now X) on August 19, 2019, that Greenland was “open for trade and investment, but not for sale.” Source: X (formerly Twitter) - Ane Lone Strøm
Recent Comments and Focus on Ukraine
On January 19, 2024, Trump again addressed the issue of Greenland, stating that Europe “ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine” rather than the territory. he suggested that Europe’s attention to Ukraine had not yielded positive results.
This statement reflects a broader pattern in Trump’s rhetoric, emphasizing a “America First” foreign policy and questioning the value of U.S. alliances. His comments also highlight a perceived disconnect between his priorities and those of European allies.
Example: Trump stated at a South Carolina rally, ”Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine as, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them… That’s what Europe should focus on – not Greenland.” Source: AFP
Strategic Importance of Greenland
Greenland holds meaningful strategic importance due to its geographic location in the Arctic. The island is the world’s largest island and sits between North America and Europe, offering potential military and logistical advantages.
The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet due to climate change is also opening up new shipping routes and access to potential natural resources, further increasing its strategic value. The U.S. maintains a military presence at Thule Air Base in Greenland, primarily for missile warning and space surveillance.
Example: The U.S. Department of Defense states that Thule Air Base “provides a critical role in the U.S. space surveillance network and missile warning system.” Source:
