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The Battle for the Arctic: Trump Challenges Denmark Over Control of Greenland

Editorial staff
08 January 2026, 13:58
The Battle for the Arctic: Trump Challenges Denmark Over Control of Greenland Photo Author: Johan Nilsson/TT/picture alliance

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again sent shockwaves through the international community by reintroducing the proposal to bring Greenland under U.S. control. According to Deutsche Welle, Washington views the island as a critical asset for national security and has openly questioned Denmark's ability to safeguard the territory.

Greenland is not only the world’s largest island but also a vital strategic outpost in the Arctic. It hosts a primary U.S. military base that serves as a cornerstone for early missile warning systems. Due to the effects of global warming, melting ice has paved the way for access to immense natural wealth, including uranium, oil, and rare earth metals essential for high-tech industries. Furthermore, emerging Arctic sea routes offer the U.S. a significant opportunity to curb Russian and Chinese influence in the region.


While the ambition to acquire the island dates back to 1867, both Danish and Greenlandic authorities have repeatedly rejected the proposal, labeling it "absurd." Nevertheless, the Trump administration has signaled that it will intensify economic pressure and political rhetoric surrounding Greenland through 2026. For their part, the people of Greenland maintain that they do not seek to join the United States, aiming instead for full independence.

#Trump #Greenland #USA #Denmark #Arctic #Geopolitics #National security #Natural resources #Rare earth metals #International dispute #NATO #Mette Frederiksen #Annexation #Political pressure #Global warming #Sea routes #2026 #White House #International law #Territorial integrity #Alaska #Deutsche Welle

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