Could Greenland Become A Part Of US? Trump’s Bold Proposal Reignites Global Debate

US President-elect Donald Trump has once again floated the idea of making Greenland a part of the United States. In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump described Greenland as "an incredible place" and promised its people "tremendous benefits" if the island joined the US

He doubled down on Tuesday, declaring, "This is a deal that must happen," following a private visit to Greenland by his son, Donald Trump Jr., according to Reuters.
This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed interest in the Arctic island. In 2019, his proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark was met with widespread ridicule and firm rejection. Greenland’s strategic importance and vast mineral wealth, however, continue to fuel US interest.

Greenland: A Strategic and Resource-Rich Island
With a population of just 57,000, Greenland is mostly covered by ice but holds immense geopolitical and economic value. The shortest route from Europe to North America runs through Greenland, making it a key location for the US military and its ballistic missile early-warning system.

As per the report by Reuters, the United States already operates the Pituffik Air Base in northwest Greenland and has expressed interest in expanding its military presence to counter Russian naval activity in the Arctic.

In addition to its strategic position, Greenland boasts significant mineral, oil, and natural gas reserves. However, environmental restrictions and local opposition have stalled resource development.

Fishing dominates the island’s economy, accounting for over 95% of exports. Meanwhile, Denmark provides annual subsidies of nearly $1 billion, covering half of Greenland’s public budget, as per the report by Reuters. 

Denmark’s Firm Stance
Denmark, which has governed Greenland for over 600 years, firmly rejected Trump’s 2019 offer to buy the island, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calling the idea "absurd."

As per the report by Reuters, on Tuesday, Frederiksen reiterated her support for Greenland’s autonomy, stating, "It is their country, and only Greenland can determine and define Greenland's future."

Greenland became a formal territory of Denmark in 1953 and is subject to its constitution. Any change to Greenland’s status would require a constitutional amendment. In 2009, Greenland gained broad self-governing autonomy, including the right to declare independence through a referendum.

Greenland’s Independence Push?
Amid Trump’s renewed interest, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has emphasized the island’s pursuit of independence from Denmark. "While others, including Danes and Americans, are entitled to their opinions, we should not be caught up in the hysteria and let external pressures distract us from our path," Egede said on Tuesday as mentioned in the report by Reuters. 
A majority of Greenlanders support independence but remain divided on its feasibility. The island’s economic dependence on Denmark’s subsidies raises questions about the viability of full independence.

Some experts suggest Greenland could enter a "free association" pact with the United States, similar to arrangements with Pacific island nations like the Marshall Islands and Palau, a mentioned in the report by Reuters. 
Ulrik Pram Gad, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, believes independence without ensuring economic stability is unlikely. "Greenland is talking about becoming independent from Denmark, but no Greenlanders want to just switch to a new colonial master," he said.
What’s Driving Trump’s Interest?
Trump’s interest in Greenland aligns with US strategic priorities. The Arctic region has become a focal point for global competition, particularly as Russia and China seek to expand their influence.

As per the report by Reuters, Greenland’s proximity to North America makes it vital for US defence and security, particularly for monitoring Russian navy vessels and nuclear submarines in the region.
The island’s untapped mineral resources, including rare earth elements critical for modern technologies, add to its allure. However, local resistance and environmental concerns have kept these resources largely undeveloped.
A Historical Precedent
The idea of the United States acquiring Greenland isn’t new. Earlier, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold to purchase the island as a strategic Cold War asset, as mentioned in the report by Reuters.

Like Trump’s proposal, the offer was declined. The US, however, maintained its military presence on the island, which continues to this day.

Greenland’s Leaders Push Back
Greenland’s leaders have been vocal in rejecting the notion of a US takeover. "I don't want to be a pawn in Trump's hot dreams of expanding his empire to include our country," said Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament as mentioned in the report by Reuters.

She called for Greenland to focus on strengthening trade and cooperation with the US without sacrificing its autonomy.
Prime Minister Egede urged Greenlanders to remain committed to shaping their own future. "Our future and fight for independence is our business," he said as per the report by Reuters. Last week, he called on his people to "break free from the shackles of colonialism."

What’s Next for Greenland?
While Trump’s renewed interest has reignited debate, Greenland’s path forward remains uncertain. Independence is a long-term goal for many Greenlanders, but economic and logistical challenges persist. Meanwhile, Denmark and the United States will likely continue to vie for influence over the Arctic territory, given its strategic and resource value.
As the geopolitical spotlight turns to Greenland once more, the island’s leaders face the challenge of balancing aspirations for independence with the realities of global power dynamics.