The REAL Reason Trump Wants To Buy Greenland

Summary

In 2019, President Donald Trump proposed buying Greenland, citing national security concerns and the strategic importance of the island. Despite Greenland’s rejection, Trump's interest is rooted in controlling the Northwest Passage and securing access to Arctic resources. The U.S. previously purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for strategic reasons, and the idea of buying Greenland raises questions about international geopolitics. Although Denmark and Greenland's governments have no intention of selling, Trump’s focus highlights the growing importance of the Arctic region, driven by melting ice, natural resources, and changing trade routes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trump expressed a desire to purchase Greenland in late December 2020, citing national security and global freedom as key motivations.
• 🌍 Greenland is the world's largest island, but it has a small population of only 60,000, and its economy relies heavily on subsidies from Denmark.
• 💰 Greenland’s GDP is relatively high at $660,000 per person, but the island faces high living costs, limited consumer goods, and widespread alcoholism.
• 🇩🇰 Denmark and Greenland rejected Trump’s proposal to buy the island in 2019, and the Danish Prime Minister, who is still in office, is expected to reject similar proposals in the future.
• ⛔ The U.S. can theoretically purchase land (like the purchase of Alaska in 1867), but Greenland’s situation differs, as Denmark is not facing financial distress and Greenland is not at risk of invasion.
• 🌊 Trump’s interest in Greenland is partly driven by its strategic location in the Arctic, particularly for controlling the Northwest Passage, which could become a critical shipping route as Arctic ice melts.
• 🛳️ The Northwest Passage, which runs through Greenland’s waters, is a more efficient trade route than the Panama Canal, and could reduce shipping distances by over 30%.
• 🌍 There are potential oil and gas reserves in the Arctic, including around Greenland, which could become more accessible as the ice melts, though these resources are still speculative.
• 🚢 Trump also commented on the Panama Canal, criticizing Panama’s high fees for using the canal, but his remarks were seen as a strategy for future negotiations, not an actual push to reclaim control.
• 🧊 Due to climate change, the Northwest Passage is becoming increasingly navigable, which enhances the geopolitical and economic value of controlling Greenland’s waters and territory.

Q & A

Why did Donald Trump express an interest in buying Greenland?

Donald Trump expressed interest in buying Greenland due to its strategic importance for national security and global influence, particularly in relation to the Arctic region and the potential control over the Northwest Passage, a vital shipping route.

Has Donald Trump attempted to purchase Greenland before?

Yes, Donald Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019 during his first term, but the Danish and Greenlandic governments rejected the idea, stating that Greenland was not for sale.

What is Greenland's geopolitical significance in global trade?

Greenland's geopolitical significance lies in its control over the Northwest Passage, a potential shortcut for shipping between Asia and the east coast of the United States, as well as the vast natural resources in the Arctic region.

What industries are central to Greenland's economy?

The primary industries in Greenland are fishing, tourism, and mining. The island also has sizable deposits of valuable minerals, gemstones, and graphite.

How does Denmark financially support Greenland?

Denmark provides Greenland with approximately $500 million in subsidies annually, which constitutes about half of Greenland's government budget and nearly 20% of its GDP.

Why is life in Greenland challenging despite its high GDP?

Despite Greenland's high GDP, life on the island is challenging because almost all consumer goods are imported, leading to high prices and limited availability. Additionally, the island faces high rates of alcoholism and mental health issues due to isolation and limited entertainment options.

How does the United States view the Panama Canal, according to Trump's statements?

Trump has criticized Panama's control over the Panama Canal, suggesting that the United States should reclaim it due to the strategic importance of the canal for global trade and concerns over excessive fees charged for its use.

What is the significance of the Northwest Passage in global shipping?

The Northwest Passage is a potential alternative to the Panama Canal for shipping between Asia and the United States. It is currently less viable due to Arctic sea ice but could become a key route if climate change continues to reduce ice coverage.

What challenges have the Panama Canal faced in recent years?

In late 2023 and early 2024, a major drought in Panama lowered water levels in the canal, limiting its capacity and causing disruptions to global trade, as fewer ships could pass through, raising shipping costs.

Why is it unlikely that Denmark or Greenland will sell Greenland to the United States?

Denmark and Greenland are unlikely to sell Greenland because Denmark is not facing financial difficulties that would necessitate a sale, and Greenland is not at risk of invasion, meaning there is no strategic need to part with the territory.