Donald Trump may miss out on 'Arctic treasure'

Dream of controlling Greenland

Greenland, with an area of ​​2.16 million km² and huge mineral reserves, has long been in the sights of the great powers. This island not only possesses valuable resources such as rare earths, uranium, oil, and gas, but also has an important strategic position in Arctic geopolitics.

Greenland is a very special island. Geographically, it belongs to North America, but geologically it belongs to the Arctic. What is special is that it lies on the shortest route from North America to Europe.

Greenland has been an autonomous territory of Denmark since 1814, and has a current population of around 60,000. Much of the land is covered in snow, but the ice is melting as the planet warms, and the inhabitable land is increasing.

This is considered a "strategic pearl". America's ambition to control Greenland, especially under the administration of President Donald Trump, has become a subject of global controversy.

Recently, Denmark and the people of Greenland have reacted quite strongly to Mr. Trump’s statements, despite previously wanting more business and cooperation with the US. This is also seen as an opportunity for China and Russia to approach and increase their influence in this Arctic region.

Previously, Greenlanders did not completely reject the possibility of expanding cooperation with the United States. Many Greenland politicians saw opportunities in cooperating with Washington to develop infrastructure, exploit resources and improve people's lives.

However, it seems that the Trump administration's approach has changed the situation.

Polls show that a majority of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States.

Greenland, with an area of ​​2.16 million km² and huge mineral reserves, has long been in the sights of major powers. Photo: Etrip

Greenlanders worry that annexation by the US would destroy the cultural identity and autonomy they won from Denmark after decades of struggle.

Denmark, which retains control over Greenland’s foreign policy, has also been on the sidelines. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called Trump’s idea “absurd” and insisted that Greenland is not a commodity for sale.

Denmark has strongly objected to a plan by a high-level US delegation to visit Greenland this week, including Vice President JD Vance and his wife, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

Denmark said this was "inappropriate". Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen accused the US of putting "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland.

The trip comes as US President Donald Trump continues to push the idea of ​​annexing Greenland. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for Greenland to become a US territory and has not ruled out using economic or military force to control the world's largest island.

What chance is there for America?

On social media X, Mr. Vance said on March 25 that he would be traveling to Greenland on March 28. His wife was scheduled to attend a sled dog race that day, but the event was canceled. Instead, she will visit the Pituffik space base.

Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said the purpose of the US delegation was to “learn about Greenland, its culture, history and people.” While Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen rejected the notion that this was a personal visit.

The latest information shows that the US has changed its plans to visit Greenland, canceling the visit to the Greenland community and instead only visiting Pituffik base. This is something that Denmark does not object to.

The US's decision to adjust is expected to help ease tensions between the two countries over Greenland, as Washington maintains a significant military presence on the island.

The United States has historically taken a special interest in Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered to buy the island from Denmark for $100 million, but was rejected. Upon taking office, President Donald Trump revived this ambition, proposing the purchase of Greenland in 2019.

He described it as a "huge piece of real estate" with huge potential, and asserted that US control of Greenland would help ensure economic and national security interests.

The difficulties in Mr. Trump’s Greenland strategy are seen as opportunities for other rivals. China has long had its eye on Greenland, intending to exploit rare earth resources and build infrastructure there. Beijing has been actively investing in mining and port projects.

Russia is also expanding its influence in the Arctic. Moscow is not only increasing its presence in the region but also developing major energy projects, creating a counterweight to the US.

Although the annexation of Greenland is facing many difficulties and widespread opposition from Denmark to the Greenland people, the US is believed to still have the opportunity to increase its influence here through more flexible measures. Some assessments say that instead of continuing to pursue the strategy of "buying" the island, Washington may seek to increase investment in Greenland, supporting economic development and security cooperation.

Several US politicians have proposed promoting cooperation projects in mining, environmental research and infrastructure development in Greenland.

Trump declares Greenland will belong to the US: The mysterious attraction of the Arctic island President Donald Trump asserts that the US will acquire and control Greenland. The statement was initially considered rude, but now the possibility of it becoming a reality is increasing. So what is the mysterious attraction behind the world's largest island?

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/ong-donald-trump-co-the-de-vuot-mat-kho-bau-bac-cuc-2384811.html