Territorial control often fuels geopolitical tensions, especially when valuable resources and strategic advantages are at stake.
Recently, President-elect Donald Trump reignited debates about Greenland's sovereignty, declaring U.S. control of the Arctic island a "national security necessity."
This claim echoes Trump's 2019 interest in purchasing the island, a proposal dismissed by Greenland and Denmark at the time as absurd, according to Hotnews.
Greenland Firmly Responds
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, quickly countered Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the island's autonomy.
"Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and never will be," Egede stated, reaffirming the island’s stance against external control.
His comments underscored Greenland’s historical struggle for self-determination and its deep ties to Denmark, a union that has lasted over six centuries.
Trump's statement has not yet prompted official responses from Denmark's government. However, Danish opposition politician Rasmus Jarlov criticized the idea, urging Copenhagen to declare Greenland's sovereignty as non-negotiable.
"Any American attempts to claim control must be prohibited and resisted," Jarlov said, reflecting the defensive tone in Danish political circles.
Beyond politics, Greenland's importance lies in its natural and strategic assets.
The island holds untapped reserves of minerals, oil, and gas, although economic reliance remains on fishing and Danish subsidies.
Greenland’s geographic position is equally critical. It houses the U.S. Air Force’s Pituffik base, a key site for ballistic missile defense and monitoring airspace between Europe and North America.
Trump’s recent remarks revive tensions from 2019 when he proposed buying Greenland during his presidency.
At the time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the idea "absurd," leading to Trump canceling a planned visit to Copenhagen.
Frederiksen remains in office, and her government has reiterated its commitment to Greenland's sovereignty.
While Greenland holds the right to declare independence from Denmark, the island’s economic reliance on Danish subsidies has deterred such moves.
With only 56,000 residents, Greenland faces challenges in developing its resources independently, keeping it tied to Denmark for now.
