Greenland: It's huge, icy, and not very green. So why is Donald Trump so fixated on making it part of the United States?
Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been under Danish control for more than 300 years. Despite its chilly reputation, Trump has made it clear that he wants it to become a US state. But why? Well, the island has a lot more to offer than just a big, frozen surface.
First up, Greenland is sitting on some seriously valuable resources. Beneath all that ice, there are massive deposits of natural gas, oil, and rare metals. Some experts even say there could be hydrocarbons worth billions, including around 28.43 billion barrels of oil. Just for perspective, that’s enough to keep the U.S. going for years, considering how much oil the country consumes every year.
But Trump isn’t just thinking about the energy. Greenland’s icy situation might actually help the US gain more access to these resources, thanks to climate change. As the ice melts, new shipping routes are opening up, making it easier to reach the riches beneath the surface. It’s a little scary for those living there, but the opportunities are real.
Trump has also emphasized the “national security” angle. Greenland is already home to US military bases, and the president has hinted that he wants to expand the US military presence there. After all, the US has had a significant defense role in Greenland since 1951, including running the Pituffik Space Base. Some say that keeping control of Greenland would be key for securing the Arctic region and increasing American military power.
The people of Greenland and Denmark aren’t having it. Both have flat-out rejected Trump’s proposals, even the idea of taking over the island by force. And can you blame them? For Greenlanders, Trump’s desire to grab control of their home feels like a bad move. It's seen as a violation of their rights and sovereignty.
While the idea of a Greenland takeover has been floating around since Trump’s first term, the debate has only heated up in recent months. Some see climate change as a chance for Greenland to thrive economically, but many of its people worry it could also lead to their country being treated as a prize to be snatched up.
