Control of Greenland is nothing new in Trump’s foreign policy. During his first term, he floated the idea but with little success. Once reelected, the topic was raised once more. As recently as this past Sunday on Air Force 1, Trump reiterated his desire to occupy Greenland for security reasons. “Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security.”
The removal of Maduro in Venezuela sent a clear message to the two major enemies of America, Russia and China. Trump is serious about national security and has no qualms about using the U.S. military’s prowess to enhance it.
Greenland, however, is not Venezuela. There isn’t a cartel or drug problem, nor is there a corrupt government in place. Greenland has 57,000 peaceful citizens and has had Home Rule granted by Denmark since 1979. In 2009, Greenland gained self-rule, which included the possibility of independence from Denmark.
Polls show the Greenlandic people are in favor of independence with a huge caveat. Although the people want independence, they do not want to cut ties with Denmark because of the enormous amount of money that flows from Denmark to Greenland. Due to the territory’s remoteness and the small population, Greenland relies on $600 million in subsidies from Denmark.
Additionally, Denmark pays for the defense of the territory. The 57,000 people of Greenland want independence but do not want to give up the money and protection they receive from Denmark. Obviously, Denmark has no interest in paying the bills of an alleged independent territory.
For all practical purposes, Greenland is a welfare state. Far from being a frozen wasteland with few inhabitants, Greenland is strategically positioned and rich in oil and minerals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated the desire to buy the territory, but Denmark and Greenland vigorously maintain that it is not for sale. The sentiments of Greenland or Denmark do not deter the Trump Administration.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down, telling reporters that the Trump Administration will not rule out military force, but tempered her words by saying diplomacy is always the first option.
Strategic interests in Greenland are not new. As early as 1868, the United States was interested in acquiring Greenland, but all three attempts failed. The fourth attempt is happening now because it is right in the wheelhouse of Trump’s foreign policy.
National security remains the top reason for the renewed interest in Greenland. During World War II and the Cold War, the reason was the same. Unfortunately, the growth and ambitions of China are a threat to the U.S., along with Russia, which has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world, making this deal necessary.
Along with Greenland’s proximity to the United States from the northeast, the riches underground can provide the United States with capital, along with the people of Greenland. It is a plan that could leverage the untapped riches and potential to break the inhabitants of the region from their dependence on government funding. From an economic perspective, it would be a win-win, which is what Trump strives to achieve many times. Money for the Greenland people, money for the U.S. A similar situation is already working in Venezuela.
Finally, Trump has an ego and would like to be the only president in history to do something no one else has. Remember the U.S. embassy’s move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The same may be true with Greenland.
Heads up: Cuba may be next in the geopolitical realignment.
One thought on “Next Geo-Political Move- Greenland”