US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed claims to take operational control over Greenland before the end of his term in 2029.
During a phone interview on Friday with conservative media host Steve Gruber on the Real America’s Voice show, President Trump encouraged the former to “make that bet” when asked about Gruber’s previous prediction that Greenland will be under the control of the USA by 2029.
“They want to do something very important. Greenland is important from our standpoint, not from their standpoint.”
Why Trump Wants to Take Over
Trump’s response backed the administration’s recent rhetoric of the importance of control over Greenland due to national security concerns. Citing Russia and China’s growing Arctic presence, the US has made no secret of its interest in Greenland.
The US already has a strategic foothold at Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base, but expansion appears to be underway.
The semi-autonomous island under the Kingdom of Denmark is a vital geographic corridor between North America and Europe. It is also home to rare minerals and crucial materials for defense supply chains.
Greenland and Denmark’s Response
Rebuttal from Greenlandic and Danish authorities and locals has been sharp. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has repeatedly stated the claims to be against his country’s “right to self-determination under international law.”
Earlier in January, he denounced Trump’s predictions, stating: “Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed the rejection, saying, “The US wants to own Greenland… but that is not going to happen.”
Both nations maintain their stance: Greenland is ‘not for sale.’
Rebuttal from Republicans
Stark opposition has also risen within the Republican Party. Most prominently, Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, called the President’s comments ‘foolish’ and that ultimately damage US relations with NATO allies.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina similarly defended Greenland’s right to sovereignty and warned that such an invasion of territory would result in lawmakers uniting for impeachment.
Other Republicans publicly voicing disapproval include Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. All of whom hold that the President’s ambitious claims are unrealistic and undiplomatic.
Future Relations Between US & Greenland
Experts agree Greenland’s strategic value is rising, but critics favor stronger defense alliances over military action. Nevertheless, the Trump administration remains committed to its goal of controlling Greenland by 2029 despite domestic and international opposition.
Related stories:
US Must Have Greenland for National, International Security: Trump
Trump’s Bold Geopolitical Ambitions: Greenland, Canada, & Panama Canal
