Featured Image Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Topics: US News, Politics, Donald Trump
Anish Vij
Donald Trump's obsession over acquiring Greenland began in 2019 during his first term as President of the United States.
On his return to the White House, however, he insisted again earlier this week that 'we have to have' the self-ruling territory of Denmark.
But why does he want Greenland and what could that mean for the territory if that happens?
Greenland, the world's largest island, is located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of Canada.
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It is officially a territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, although it has its own government and a population of about 57,000 people.
The island is 80 percent made up of ice, which is melting at a faster rate than ever before due to climate change.
Beneath the icy surface is a wealth of untapped natural resources, such as rare earth minerals, oil, and natural gas.
These materials are used for electric cars, smartphones, and various military services.
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Trump is likely to want access to these resources to reduce America's dependance on China.
Again, due to climate change, the Arctic ice is melting at an unprecedented rate, which is unveiling new maritime trade routes that would shorten shipping times between major global markets.
Greenland could then be used as a strategic hub for controlling international trade in the Arctic region.
As the likes of Russia and China expand their presence in the Arctic, the US probably wants Greenland to counterbalance the influence.
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We don't really know what his exact plans are after Professor Rasmus Leander Nielsen of Greenland University pointed out (via Bloomberg) that Denmark can’t sell Greenland because a 2009 rule 'clearly states that Greenlanders are their own people'.
Greenland probably needs to gain independence first before Trump can realistically acquire the area. Also, there is currently no market value attached to Greenland, so evaluations into the island's cost is still unknown.
However, Bloomberg notes that the territory's gross domestic product reached over $3.2 billion in 2021, and they also receive an annual subsidiary from Denmark totalling around $600 million.
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Although the purchase price of Alaska in 1867 was $7.2 million, which would be around $150 million in today's money, so who knows?
“Greenland is an incredible place,” Trump previously wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“The people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will protect it, cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
The prospect of becoming part of the US hasn't seemingly appealed to Greenland, as their premier, Mute Egede, has said they 'don't want to be Americans'.
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"We don’t want to be Americans, nor Danes; We are Kalaallit. The Americans and their leader must understand that." he continued.
"We are not for sale and cannot simply be taken. Our future will be decided by us in Greenland."
In a recent speech, Vladimir Putin said 'it would be a grave mistake to think that this is just some eccentric talk of the new American administration'.
"We are talking about serious plans on the American side with regard to Greenland," he added.
"Those plans have deep historic roots and it is obvious that the US will continue to promote their geopolitical, military and economic interests in the Arctic.
"As for Greenland, I think that this is an issue that concerns two states and has nothing to do with us.
"However, we are concerned by the fact that the NATO countries increasingly identify the far north as a foothold for possible conflicts."