Politics
EU Leaders Unite, France Warns Against Border Attacks. Trumps ‘Manifest Destiny’ At Play, Why Greenland And What Do Greenlanders Want?
Donald Trump, the U.S. President-elect, is stirring up a global/EU storm with his eyebrow-raising plans for territorial expansion. Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada as the 51st state—Trump’s vision has left the world both baffled and alarmed.
Is it all bluster, or does he mean business? While his rhetoric grabs headlines, the implications are serious—strained alliances and risking violations of international laws.
During a pre-inauguration press conference on Wednesday, Trump didn’t shy away from suggesting that economic or even military pressure could be used to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal. “We need them for economic security,” he declared.
Adding fuel to the fire, Donald Trump Jr. recently toured Greenland, sharing a video on X (formerly Twitter) of their helicopter ride, complete with a bobblehead of Trump Senior on the dashboard.
EU Pushback
European leaders didn’t mince words. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reminded the world that “borders must not be moved by force,” emphasizing that this principle applies universally, even to powerful nations. Scholz revealed that Trump’s comments had caused “notable incomprehension” among EU leaders, urging unity in the face of such threats.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was equally blunt, calling Greenland “European territory” and warning that the EU would not tolerate any attack on its sovereign borders. Speaking on France Inter radio, Barrot stressed, “The bloc’s 27 member states will never accept attempts to assault EU territory.”
Some Support?
While the EU stood firm, some surprising voices emerged in Trump’s favor. Pro-Kremlin commentators in Russia hailed his stance, comparing it to Moscow’s justification for its actions in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, EU officials maintained a cautious tone, confirming Greenland’s inclusion in the bloc’s mutual defense agreements but refraining from escalating the rhetoric. “This is highly theoretical, and we will not elaborate further,” said EU Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho.
Why Does Trump Want Greenland?
This isn’t Trump’s first fascination with Greenland. Back in his first term, the former U.S. president floated the idea of buying the autonomous Danish territory, calling it “a large real estate deal” and claiming Denmark was losing nearly $700 million annually to support it. The plan didn’t materialize, but with his second term approaching, Trump’s Greenland ambitions are back in the spotlight.
So, what’s behind this renewed interest?
Strategic Importance
Trump has called Greenland “an absolute necessity” for U.S. national security, and while his claims about Greenlanders wanting the U.S. presence are debatable, the island’s strategic value isn’t.
Greenland has been a critical location for the U.S. military since the Cold War, housing the Pituffik Space Base, the northernmost air base in the U.S. military network.
Secondly, as Arctic temperatures rise, new sea routes are emerging, and with growing tensions involving Russia and China, the U.S. sees Greenland as key to maintaining its influence in the region.
Even Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acknowledged the value of a strong U.S. presence in Greenland, stating, “We have a clear interest that it’s the U.S. that plays a large role in that region, and not, for example, Russia.”
Beyond military strategy, Greenland is a treasure trove of rare earth metals, critical for everything from smartphones to military technology. While Greenland’s government has restricted some extractive industries, a 2022 survey showed three out of four Greenlanders support utilizing the island’s natural resources.
But What’s the Real Gain?
Here’s the twist – The U.S. already has a military presence on Greenland, and Greenlanders are generally open to American investment. So, what would a formal acquisition achieve? Not much, argue experts like Kristian Søby Kristensen of the University of Copenhagen. Instead, it would saddle the U.S. with the cost of supporting Greenland’s population.
A Nostalgic Vision of Power
For some analysts, Trump’s obsession with Greenland reflects something deeper. Rob Huebert, an Arctic politics expert, sees it as a revival of “Manifest Destiny,” the 19th-century belief that the U.S. has a divine right to expand its influence globally.
“Trump tends to view foreign relations in terms of spheres of influence,” Huebert said. “It’s a throwback to a world order that could lead to international disaster.”
Can Trump Buy Greenland? Here’s What History Shows
When Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019, it sounded like one of his more outlandish statements. Now, with his second term about to begin, the question arises again – Can Trump—or any U.S. president—actually buy Greenland?
The short answer is: it’s complicated.
Greenland’s Unique Status
Greenland isn’t a colony or property of Denmark in the traditional sense. It’s an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own parliament and government since 1973. A 2008 referendum even laid the groundwork for full independence if Greenlanders choose to pursue it.
Over 90% of Greenland’s population is Indigenous, and the pro-independence Inuit Ataqatigiit party has been steering the island toward self-reliance and stronger ties with other allies since coming to power in 2021.
Prime Minister Múte B. Egede has been firm in his stance: “Greenland is not for sale and will never be for sale.” Yet, the U.S. remains a key player in Greenland’s future, especially as the island explores ways to reduce its dependence on Denmark.
The History of U.S. Territorial Acquisitions
The idea of buying Greenland may seem unusual, but it’s not unprecedented in U.S. history. The United States has acquired vast territories through purchases before, such as –
—The Louisiana Purchase (1803): Acquired from France.
—The Alaska Purchase (1867): Bought from Russia.
—The Danish West Indies (1917): Now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands, these were purchased from Denmark for $25 million in gold.
The Virgin Islands deal is particularly relevant, as it involved a Danish territory. However, that purchase was motivated by World War I concerns about Germany potentially using the islands as a military base. Greenland, with its strategic location and rare earth resources, could be seen through a similar lens today.
Could Greenland Enter a Free Association Agreement?
While a formal purchase seems unlikely, some Greenlandic politicians have floated the idea of a “free association agreement” with the U.S. Under such an arrangement, Greenland would transfer certain responsibilities—like defense—to the U.S. in exchange for financial support.
Pele Broberg, a Greenlandic opposition leader, has described the current relationship with Denmark as a “forced marriage” and argued that Greenland could benefit from stronger ties with the U.S. “The Danes are nervous about the power that the United States has to bring us into the 21st century,” he said.
A Risky Move
Still, if Trump were to push for outright acquisition, he’d face significant obstacles –
Greenland’s Autonomy: The people of Greenland would need to agree, and there’s no indication they’d support such a move.
International Backlash: Any attempt to acquire Greenland—especially through coercion—would draw sharp criticism from allies and adversaries alike.
Cost: Greenland is vast, sparsely populated, and expensive to maintain. The U.S. would have to weigh whether the strategic benefits justify the costs.
Lessons from History
The last time the U.S. acquired territory by force was in the late 19th century, when it took control of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico after the Spanish-American War. Today, Puerto Rico remains a U.S. territory, with ongoing debates about statehood.
However, times have changed. Greenland’s unique geopolitical and environmental significance makes any discussion about its future far more complex.
What Does the Law Say About Selling a Country?
In today’s world, the notion of “selling” a country is not only implausible but also legally fraught, thanks to international laws that prioritize the principle of self-determination. This foundational concept is enshrined in the first article of the United Nations Charter, which aims “to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.”
What Is Self-Determination?
Self-determination refers to the right of people to decide how they are governed. For Greenland, this principle is particularly significant. Its Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede, has consistently asserted Greenland’s autonomy.
In a recent Facebook post, Egede wrote,
“Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland. Our future and fight for independence is our business. While others, including Danes and Americans, are entitled to their opinions, we should not be caught up in the hysteria and external pressures that distract us from our path. The future is ours and ours to shape.”
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has echoed these sentiments. In an interview with Danish broadcaster TV 2, Frederiksen emphasized, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. It is their country, and only Greenland can determine and define Greenland’s future.”
Greenland’s Semi-Sovereign Status
Although Greenland has been part of Denmark for 600 years, it enjoys significant autonomy as a semi-sovereign territory. Since 1979, Greenland has controlled most of its domestic affairs, and a 2008 referendum further empowered its government to chart a path toward full independence if desired.
Despite this autonomy, tensions remain. Greenland’s relations with Denmark have been strained by allegations of historical mistreatment under colonial rule.
The Political Reality
Greenland’s leaders have made it clear that the island’s future lies in the hands of its people. While U.S. interest in Greenland might flatter some, it also raises concerns about external pressures. As Frederiksen pointed out, “Respect for Greenland’s autonomy is not negotiable.”
Even Trump’s hinted threat of using force to seize the island—reminiscent of 19th-century colonialism—has no place in the modern era. Any such action would provoke international condemnation and potentially destabilize relations among key global powers.
Meeting with Denmark’s King
Greenland Prime Minister Egede recently met with Denmark’s King Frederik amid these geopolitical tensions. While the specifics of their discussion remain undisclosed, the timing indicates the significance of Greenland’s autonomy in its relations with Denmark and other nations.
The Last Bit
In the 21st century, the idea of buying or forcibly acquiring a country is not just outdated but fundamentally incompatible with international law. Greenland’s future belongs to its people, who are charting their path with clarity and determination. Whether through greater autonomy or eventual independence. As Prime Minister Egede said, “Our future is ours and must be drawn by us.”
Trump’s ambitions may revive historical debates about territorial expansion, but history also shows that buying Greenland—or even reshaping its alliances—is far easier said than done.
What Do Greenlanders Want?
Even as the geopolitical posturing goes on, one crucial voice remains understated—that of the Greenlanders themselves. Autonomous but tied to Denmark, Greenland’s people have yet to weigh in on Trump’s bold aspirations.
As Trump’s inauguration looms, his expansionist dreams may remain just that—dreams. But the ripple effects of his statements are already reshaping diplomatic ties and challenging the principles of sovereignty in a globalized world.