TMTPOST -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has tossed expansionist rhetoric onto acquiring Greenland by using military forces, citing its strategic location and vast mineral wealth.
Trump suggested that bringing the semi-autonomous Danish territory under U.S. control could serve national security and economic interests. He did not rule out using economic or military leverage to achieve the annexation in a recent press conference.
Many European leaders, having learned to expect the unexpected from Trump and recognizing that his actions don't always align with his words, have responded cautiously. Some have adopted a "nothing to see here" stance rather than strongly defending Denmark, an EU member.
Greenland, located between North America and Europe, plays a crucial role in global security. It is allegeded that Greenland’s proximity to the Arctic and the Atlantic makes it a key strategic point for monitoring Russian military activity and maintaining ballistic missile defenses. The U.S. already operates the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in Greenland, established under a 1951 U.S.-Denmark agreement.
In addition to its military significance, Greenland boasts untapped mineral riches, including rare earth elements, lithium, and graphite, essential for modern technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. A 2023 European Commission survey identified 25 out of 34 critical minerals on the island.
However, Greenland has banned oil and gas extraction for environmental reasons, and its mining sector faces regulatory hurdles and opposition from Indigenous communities. As a result, the island remains heavily reliant on fishing and annual subsidies from Denmark, which account for nearly half its budget.
Greenland, though part of the Danish territory, enjoys self-governing autonomy. Since 2009, it has had the authority to declare independence through a referendum. While its leaders advocate for greater autonomy, they have consistently rejected the idea of selling the island. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede reiterated this stance, saying, “It is up to the people of Greenland to decide their future.”
Historically, the U.S. has shown interest in purchasing Greenland. In 1946, U.S. President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for the territory, an offer Copenhagen declined. Trump himself proposed buying Greenland in 2019, but the idea was swiftly dismissed as “absurd” by Denmark’s then Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Greenlanders generally support the idea of independence but remain divided on its timing and economic implications. The island’s economy heavily depends on Denmark’s financial support, which totals nearly $1 billion annually. While stronger ties with the U.S. appeal to some, Greenlandic leaders reject the notion of becoming a U.S. territory. Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz remarked, “We are not pawns in Trump’s empire-building dreams.”
If Greenland pursues independence, one option could be a “free association” agreement with the U.S., similar to arrangements between the U.S. and Pacific island nations. This could allow Greenland to retain self-governance while benefiting from U.S. economic and security support.
Denmark remains firm in its stance that Greenland is not for sale. Prime Minister Frederiksen emphasized the importance of respecting Greenland’s sovereignty, saying “It is their country, and only Greenland can determine its future.” At the same time, she underscored the need for close U.S.-Danish cooperation on Arctic and security issues.
Since his re-election, Trump has repeatedly revisited the idea of expanding U.S. territory, including a proposal to reclaim control of the Panama Canal.
In a press conference less than two weeks before he is sworn in for a second term, Trump described the canal as "vital to our country" and alleged that "it's being operated by China." He has also accused Panama of overcharging U.S. ships for passage through the strategic waterway, which links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, dismissed Trump’s claims, saying that "there is absolutely no Chinese interference" in the canal’s operations. A Hong Kong-based firm, CK Hutchison Holdings, manages two ports at the canal's entry points, but this does not equate to control of the canal itself.
The Panama Canal, constructed in the early 20th century, was under U.S. control until a series of treaties, brokered during President Jimmy Carter’s administration in 1977, returned it to Panamanian authority. Trump has criticized this decision, calling it a "very big mistake." He noted, "Look, [Carter] was a good man… but that was a big mistake."
Additionally, when pressed on whether he would consider annexing Canada, Trump hinted at using "economic force" to challenge the long-standing border between the two nations.
He referred to their shared border as an "artificially drawn line," and criticized imports of Canadian cars, lumber, and dairy products.
The U.S.-Canada border, which is the longest in the world between two countries, was established through treaties dating back to the founding of the U.S. in the late 1700s. Trump also pointed out that the U.S. spends billions of dollars protecting Canada, further fueling his concerns over trade imbalances.
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