Washington, 28 March 2025. – president of the United States Donald Trump one more time sparked global controversy, declaring that Greenland is essential for the safety of America and the world. The speech came during a press conference at the White home on Friday, the day of the visit of Vice president J.D. Vance to the U.S. Pituffik base in Greenland. Trump stressed that if Denmark and the European Union did not realize this necessity, the US would "have to explain it to them".
Photo screen shot / YouTube, Donald Trump
The strategical Importance of Greenland
Trump, asked at the Oval Office about plans to increase military presence on the island, did not give a clear answer, but stated: "We cannot go without Greenland, we must have it" (We can not do without Greenland; we must have it) “Reuters quotes his words. He added that Greenland is crucial for global security, pointing to the presence of Chinese and Russian ships in the Arctic region.
– If you look at Greenland now, if you look at the waterways, you have Chinese and Russian ships everywhere, and we won’t be able to do anything about it) – said how CNN relates. – We cannot trust on Denmark or anyone else to deal with this situation. It is not only peace for the US but peace in the planet (“We can’t trust on Denmark or anyone else to trade this situation. This isn’t just about peace for the United States – it’s about peace for the world). – he added.
Greenland, the autonomous territory of Denmark, has long attracted the attention of the USA due to its location and resources. According to the BBC, melting ice in the Arctic opens fresh shipping routes and access to natural materials specified as uncommon earth metals, which increases its geopolitical significance. The U.S. Pitufik base, operating under the 1951 agreement, is crucial for early informing and space monitoring systems.
Google Earth
Tensions with Denmark and EU response
Trump praised the relation with Denmark, noting: – We get along very well with Greenland, we get along very well with Denmark. They do quite a few business in the United States (“We get along very well with Greenland, we get along very well with Denmark. They do a flight of business in the United States) – quotes him AFP. At the same time, he suggested that non-cooperation may require US action. – They realize it, but if not, we will gotta explain it to them." – he added what Reuters interprets as a veiled threat of economical sanctions or military pressure.
Denmark, supported by the European Union, powerfully rejects any proposition to change Greenland's status. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, quoted by the BBC, called US pressures "unacceptable force and announced the defence of island sovereignty. European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper said: " The EU stands by Denmark on this issue and expects respect for global law (The EU stands by Denmark in this substance and results respect for global law) – says AFP.
Vance’s visit and protests to Greenland
Visit of Vice president J.D. Vance reported by CNN, it further exacerbated tensions around Greenland. Vance, as Reuters reports, stated that Greenland would be “safer under U.S. protection than Denmark’s, which provoked outrage to local authorities. Prime Minister of Greenland Múte Egede, quoted by the BBC, said: "We don't want to be Danish, we don't want to be American – we want to be Greenlandese" ("We don't want to be Danish, we don't want to be American – we want to be Greenlandic"). Vance’s absence of a formal invitation to visit further encouraged the protests on the island, as reported by AFP.
Broader global context
During the same conference Trump raised another global issues. Referring to Ukrainian children exported by Russia, he stated that CNN states: – This is simply a terrible situation that would never have happened if I had been president ("It's a territorial situation that would never have happened if I were president").
About the Iranian drones utilized by Russia in Ukraine, he said: – Iran produces effective drones and are advanced on my watchlist” (Iran makes effective drones, and they’re very advanced on my watchlist) – Reuters reports. He besides mentioned ‘very, very good’ ("very, very good") conversation with Canada's fresh Prime Minister Mark Carney, however, informing that cOttawa's reprisals will meet the U.S. response, As confirmed by AFP.
The Future of Greenland in Powers
Experts, quoted by the BBC, indicate that Trump's administration may search to increase influence in Greenland through military negotiations or escalation. "The Arctic becomes a fresh frontier for global competition“ The Arctic is becoming a fresh frontier of global competition, ” noted CNN analyst, highlighting increasing competition with China and Russia. Reuters adds that Trump can usage economical pressures specified as customs to force Denmark to make concessions.
Greenland remains under the control of Denmark, but Trump's statements indicate that the island can become a key point of dispute in transatlantic relations.
Dariusz Frach, thefad.pl / Source: BBC, CNN, Reuters, AFP
