President Trump's ambition to acquire Greenland has transitioned from mere rhetoric to formal U.S. policy, with the White House initiating a plan to acquire the Arctic island from Denmark.
This initiative enlists multiple cabinet departments to support Trump's longstanding interest in Greenland, which has gained economic and strategic significance due to climate change and the melting of Arctic ice.
Covering an area of 836,330 square miles, Greenland presents a potential opportunity for Trump to secure what he views as a significant real estate deal.
Danish officials have firmly stated that the island is not for sale and cannot be annexed. However, Trump remains intent on exerting control over the territory. In a recent congressional address, he emphasized the need for Greenland for national and international security, declaring, "One way or the other, we're going to get it."
The National Security Council has convened several times to translate Trump's aspirations into actionable policy, providing specific directives to various governmental arms. While the full details of the plan remain ambiguous, discussions have not seriously considered military options, with a focus instead on persuasion.
The policy includes a public relations effort aimed at convincing Greenland's 57,000 residents to advocate for U.S. inclusion, with measures such as advertising and social media campaigns proposed to influence public opinion.
In recent elections, an opposition party advocating for a quick independence and closer ties with the U.S. received only a quarter of the vote, indicating a challenging landscape for the U.S. messaging campaign.
The outreach strategy aims to highlight shared heritage, noting the Inuit population's historical connection to Alaska. Trump's advisers argue that only the U.S. can adequately protect Greenland from potential threats from Russia and China, while also promising economic benefits.
The Trump administration is examining the potential for financial incentives, proposing to replace Denmark's $600 million in subsidies with a payment of approximately $10,000 per Greenlander. Officials believe that revenues from Greenland's natural resources, including minerals and oil, could offset these costs.
However, analysts are skeptical about the viability of mining operations due to the island's challenging climate and the difficulty of justifying significant expenditures to American taxpayers. Previous discussions on acquiring Greenland date back to the Truman administration, which offered $1 billion in 1946, but were not successful.
Greenland currently manages its domestic affairs with substantial financial support from Denmark, which retains control over defense and foreign policy. While some local leaders favor independence, opinions differ on the timeline and approach toward U.S. relations.
Danish leaders have expressed outrage at Trump's proposals, insisting that the future of Greenland should be determined by its residents. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned the U.S. approach, stating, "you cannot annex another country."
Trump is now focusing on directly engaging with the people of Greenland, expressing support for their right to self-determination and offering U.S. protection and prosperity. Vice President JD Vance recently echoed these sentiments, suggesting future discussions once Greenland achieves independence from Denmark.
The concept of connecting Greenland's Inuit heritage to Alaskan natives has emerged in discussions, though its appeal remains uncertain. Concerns about the U.S. pressure campaign damaging long-standing alliances have also been raised by Danish leaders, who continue to advocate for mutual respect in international relations.