President Donald Trump has intensified his push for U.S. control over Greenland, claiming the island is essential for American national security. During a press conference in Florida on October 30, 2023, Trump stated, “We need it for national protection,” while also making an unusual assertion about the U.S. exploring Greenland 300 years ago. This statement follows his recent appointment of Jeff Landry, the Governor of Louisiana, as a special envoy to the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
In his remarks, Trump emphasized that the U.S. does not aim to extract Greenland’s mineral resources. Instead, he framed the desire for control as a strategic move against the growing influence of Russia and China, which he accused of having naval presence in the region. “They say that Denmark was there 300 years ago or something with a boat. Well, we were there with boats too, I’m sure. So we’ll have to work it all out,” Trump added. It is important to note that the Inuit have inhabited Greenland for thousands of years, and European contact with the island began in the late 10th century, while U.S. exploration did not occur until the late 19th century.
Local officials in both Greenland and Denmark reacted strongly to Trump’s claims. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement asserting that national borders and state sovereignty are grounded in international law. “You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security,” they declared.
The backdrop to this controversy includes Denmark’s recent commitment to a multi-year investment package of $253 million for Greenland, highlighting its ongoing support for the island. Trump’s assertion that Denmark is neglecting Greenland has been met with skepticism, given this financial commitment.
Tensions surrounding U.S. interest in Greenland have fluctuated since the early months of Trump’s presidency. In March 2023, Vice President JD Vance visited a U.S. military base in Greenland, and Trump previously suggested that he would not rule out using military force to acquire the island. The situation escalated further in May when reports emerged about intensified U.S. espionage efforts in Greenland, prompting Denmark to summon the U.S. ambassador for clarification.
Despite a perceived decrease in U.S. interest in Greenland earlier this year, the recent appointment of Landry as envoy marks a renewed focus on the territory. Prime Minister Frederiksen expressed earlier concerns that the situation was stabilizing, stating, “Right now it seems far away. There is perhaps a feeling that we can breathe a sigh of relief.”
As discussions about Greenland continue, the diplomatic implications of Trump’s remarks and actions remain significant, raising questions about international relations and the future of U.S.-Danish cooperation.