Washington (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) - United
States President Donald Trump stated that America seeks "a piece of ice
called Greenland" during comments made at a White House press briefing.
The remark revives the president's long-standing interest in acquiring the
Danish territory, first expressed publicly during his first term. Danish Prime
Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland remains part of the
Kingdom of Denmark and stays Danish.
President Trump's statement occurred when responding to
questions about Arctic security and resource development during Tuesday's
briefing. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the president
maintains the position that US strategic interests justify pursuing Greenland's
transfer. The Danish government immediately rejected the overture, with Foreign
Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoning the US ambassador for clarification.
Trump's longstanding position on Greenland acquisition
Credit: AFP
President Trump first mentioned purchasing Greenland in August 2019, describing the territory as strategically important for US national security. He cancelled a planned Denmark visit after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the idea "absurd." Trump maintained throughout his first term that Greenland's position between North America and Europe warranted US control.
The president revisited the topic during 2024 campaign
rallies, framing acquisition as essential for countering Russian and Chinese
Arctic expansion. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz briefed reporters
that Greenland hosts critical minerals including rare earth elements vital for
defence manufacturing. Pentagon assessments identify 15 US military sites
within 1,000 miles requiring Greenland air defence coverage.
Danish government immediate response and diplomatic measures
Prime Minister Frederiksen issued a statement emphasising
Greenlandic self-determination through the 2009 Self-Government Act. Foreign
Ministry summoned US Ambassador to Denmark designation Rafael Grossi for formal
protest. Danish Ambassador to Washington Peter Bundgaard designated received
instructions to deliver demarche to State Department.
Naalakkersuisut, Greenland's government, confirmed elected
representatives oppose territorial transfer. Inuits Circumpolar Council
representing 180,000 indigenous residents across Arctic nations rejected
external sovereignty claims. Nordic Council scheduled emergency session to
coordinate regional response.
Strategic rationale cited by US administration officials
White House National Security Council spokesperson outlined
five strategic imperatives during background briefing. Thule Air Base expansion
requires additional runway capacity for B-52 deployments. Greenland's 31 rare
earth deposits represent 11% of global reserves per US Geological Survey.
Arctic shipping routes projection 30% traffic increase by 2030 necessitates
radar installations.
Pentagon identified 17 potential missile defence sites along
Greenland's eastern coast. State Department highlighted 52% US export market
share for Greenland seafood imports. Energy Department assessments confirm
sufficient lithium reserves supporting domestic battery production.
Greenlandic political leadership positions on sovereignty
Credit: AFP Photo
Premier Múte B. Egede affirmed Naalakkersuisut authority over foreign affairs per 2009 parliamentary act. Inatsisartut legislative assembly unanimously passed resolution rejecting unsolicited acquisition proposals. Siumut party, holding 10 of 39 seats, prioritised economic partnerships over sovereignty discussions.
Demokraatit opposition leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen proposed
Arctic Circle security conference excluding bilateral transfer negotiations.
Atassut conservative faction advocated NATO framework enhancements through
Denmark. Nallegallait Inunissat indigenous party emphasised UN Declaration on
Rights of Indigenous Peoples compliance.
Historical precedents of US territorial acquisition proposals
US purchased Danish West Indies (Virgin Islands) in 1917 for
$25 million following 1867 negotiations. Alaska acquisition from Russia 1867
established Arctic precedent. Louisiana Purchase 1803 demonstrated
constitutional acquisition mechanisms. Trump administration legal counsel
confirmed treaty ratification pathway remains viable.
Denmark transferred North Greenland defence rights to US
during 1941 occupation agreement. 1951 Defence of Greenland treaty authorises
Thule operations through 2026. Pituffik Space Base expansion approved 2023
includes 20-year runway lease extension.
Economic dimensions of Greenland's resource potential
US Geological Survey 2023 assessment identified 1.5 million
tonnes rare earth oxides across Kvanefjeld and Kringlerne deposits. Annual
production potential 25,000 tonnes meets 20% domestic defence requirements.
Zinc, gold and uranium reserves valued $200 billion at current pricing.
Greenland Minerals Ltd confirmed Kvanefjeld feasibility
study yielding 43 million pounds annual rare earth concentrate. Tanbreez
project Phase 1 engineering complete targeting 2028 first production. US
International Development Finance Corporation prepared $450 million loan
guarantees pending sovereignty clarification.
NATO alliance implications of Greenland sovereignty discussion
Credit: nato.int
Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher Cavoli testified Greenland radar gaps compromise missile defence coverage. Thule Ballistic Missile Early Warning System modernisation requires additional power generation capacity. NATO Response Force Arctic deployment exercises utilise Pituffik range facilities annually.
Denmark contributes 2% GDP defence spending target including
Greenland F-35A procurement. Royal Danish Air Force maintains C-37A rotations
supporting Thule logistics. Norwegian and Canadian frigates patrol Denmark Strait
under Standing Naval Forces Atlantic rotations.
Congressional authorisation requirements and legislative status
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch
scheduled hearing on Arctic strategy implementation. House Foreign Affairs
Europe subcommittee requested GAO audit of Greenland investment returns.
Bipartisan Arctic Caucus circulated resolution reaffirming strategic interest
without acquisition language.
National Defense Authorization Act 2026 allocated $250
million Pituffik expansion funding. Senate confirmation hearings for
ambassadorial nominees include Greenland portfolio questions. Congressional
Research Service published 28-page overview of acquisition authorities.
International law considerations surrounding territorial claims
UN Charter Article 2(4) prohibits threat or use of force
against territorial integrity. International Court of Justice Kosovo advisory
opinion affirms self-determination compatibility with territorial unity. UN
General Assembly Resolution 2625 establishes uti possidetis principle for
post-colonial boundaries.
Vienna Convention on Succession of States 1978 governs
territorial transfers through mutual consent. Greenland's 2008 referendum
confirmed 75% support for self-government within Danish realm. Arctic Council
Nuuk Declaration prioritises cooperative resource management frameworks.
Danish Realm constitutional framework governing Greenland
Kingdom of Denmark constitutional act designates Greenland
integral component since 1953 integration. 2009 Self-Government Act delegates
domestic competencies while reserving foreign affairs, defence and currency
policy. Naalakkersuisut exercises executive authority through 39-member
Inatsisartut elected every four years.
Danish Folketing maintains two representatives from
Greenland. Constitutional amendment requires five-sixths supermajority for
territorial alterations. 2008 referendum approved self-rule framework with 63%
voter turnout.
US diplomatic channels and negotiation preconditions
State Department Arctic Bureau Chief Debra Sohrabi confirmed
readiness to engage Danish counterparts through existing treaty mechanisms.
Special Presidential Envoy for Arctic John Kerry scheduled Copenhagen consultations.
US Embassy Copenhagen political section maintains quarterly Naalakkersuisut
dialogue.
Mutual recognition of indigenous governance rights
established through 2021 Arctic Partnership agreement. Annual US-Denmark
Strategic Dialogue includes Greenland resource coordination working group. NATO
Standing Committee framework facilitates defence infrastructure discussions.
Media coverage patterns across international outlets
Associated Press distributed 47 stories averaging 850 words
since initial 2019 proposal. Reuters maintained fact-checking database tracking
sovereignty claims. BBC Nuuk correspondent embedded with Inatsisartut covering
legislative responses. Al Jazeera focused Atassut party positions regarding
NATO interoperability.
Wall Street Journal published rare earth supply chain
analysis citing Kvanefjeld production timelines. Financial Times mapped $1.2
trillion Arctic mineral endowment distribution. Politico Europe tracked Nordic
Council resolutions on territorial integrity.
Public opinion polling data from Greenland and Denmark
Verian Greenland poll conducted
January 2026 found 82% oppose US acquisition proposals. 14% support
economic partnership models. 4% undecided. Berlingske Danish survey indicated
71% opposition including 62% among Social Democrats.
Inatsisartut approved public consultation framework for
foreign investment proposals. Sermitsiaq newspaper serialised eight-part series
on self-determination rights. KNR public broadcaster aired five-part
documentary series on historical US-Danish defence cooperation.