President-elect Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on Denmark to take responsibility for Greenland’s defense, suggesting that the U.S. may purchase the island if Denmark does not act. Former National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien outlined the administration’s position, citing Greenland’s importance in the Arctic.
“Greenland’s location makes it a critical point of access to North America,” O’Brien said, describing the Arctic as a future battleground. He warned that Russia and China are already increasing their presence in the region.
Denmark has had Greenland since 1380 and hasn't done shit with it.
We're going to put a 70-story Trump Tower in Nuuk.
— Jared Dillian (@dailydirtnap) December 24, 2024
Denmark increases defense budget for its island of Greenland after Trump expresses interest in purchasing it
"Now we are planning a stronger presence."
source @BBCBreaking pic.twitter.com/T79Jheoh5h
— dustin mills (@dustinemills24) December 24, 2024
O’Brien said Denmark must either bolster its military presence in Greenland, pay the U.S. for its defense, or agree to sell the island. “We’re not going to defend it for free while they sit on Greenland’s untapped resources,” he said.
It's really not that strange that Trump tried to buy Greenland from Denmark in 2019. It was the fourth serious offer. (Seward tried in 1867, others in 1910 and 1946). Also the US bought the Danish Virgin Islands in the Caribbean in 1917 for $25m.
Retweet to get this deal done! pic.twitter.com/hvoE53RXB8
— Vandie (@VanDiemen_) December 21, 2024
I recently had the opportunity to tell a congressman (real btw) we need to follow through on Trump's plan to buy Greenland and begin rare-earth metal excavation…
To my pleasant surprise, he did not treat it as a joke and informed me this has been seriously considered https://t.co/EiMUt0XBin
— Lomez (@L0m3z) November 7, 2024
The administration’s focus on Greenland stems from its strategic and economic potential. The island’s natural resources, including minerals and oil, remain largely untapped, and its location is pivotal for Arctic operations.
🚨 NOW: Rolling power outages have been occurring in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, for TEN HOURS now
20,000 people live in Nuuk, and it’s current -17°F
President Trump would never allow this to happen to you, Greenland!
Time to join us.
pic.twitter.com/1zZeWgvyav— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 29, 2024
This is why purchasing Greenland would a monumental investment for the United States.
By 2040, shipping firms expect to open new polar and northern sea routes for global trade and this could be controlled by the United States.
President Trump is right about Greenland. pic.twitter.com/areUZlMHEA
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) December 25, 2024
O’Brien suggested that Greenland could join Alaska as a U.S. territory if purchased, highlighting cultural ties between Greenland’s indigenous people and Alaskans. “We can’t continue defending Western Europe’s empire without compensation,” he said.
Denmark has not formally responded to Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland, which has raised questions about the future of Arctic governance.
