President Donald Trump has recently reiterated claims regarding Greenland, asserting that the United States should take control of the island to safeguard national security. These statements have drawn sharp rebuttals from Danish officials and NATO allies. At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 19, 2024, Trump described the acquisition of Greenland as a “core national security interest” for the United States, emphasizing his desire to acquire the self-governing territory from Denmark.
During a subsequent meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Trump appeared to soften his rhetoric, mentioning that they had reached “the framework of a future deal” regarding Greenland, although he did not disclose any specifics. As he seeks to justify his stance, Trump has made various assertions in interviews and discussions with world leaders, including claims that Denmark lacks a legal claim to Greenland and exaggerations of threats from China and Russia.
Denmark’s Sovereignty Over Greenland
Trump questioned Denmark’s sovereignty in a text exchange with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, stating, “Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway?” He further argued that there are “no written documents” establishing Denmark’s claim to the island. This assertion is misleading. In fact, there are numerous agreements and court rulings that affirm Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, including a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of State in 1916 recognizing Danish control.
An international court ruling in 1933 also upheld Denmark’s sovereignty. According to Marc Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, “Danish expeditions reached and settled Greenland centuries ago. Since then, Denmark’s sovereignty has been internationally recognized, including by the U.S.”
Claims of Foreign Naval Presence
On January 4, Trump claimed, “Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.” He elaborated on January 9, stating that without U.S. action, those nations could occupy Greenland. However, there is no evidence supporting his assertion of a significant foreign naval presence near the island. Greenland’s Minister of Business, Naaja Nathanielsen, indicated she was “not aware” of any Russian or Chinese ships in the vicinity when questioned about Trump’s comments.
Public ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic shows little to no activity from Russian or Chinese vessels around Greenland, with the majority of traffic consisting of fishing boats. Experts, including Romain Chuffart from The Arctic Institute, have stated that Trump’s claims do not align with the available evidence. They noted that Russian naval activity in the Arctic primarily occurs near Norway, while China’s involvement focuses on trade with Russia and military exercises near Alaska.
Mischaracterizing Denmark’s Defense Capabilities
In a January 11 statement, Trump remarked, “And Greenland basically, their defense is two dog sleds.” This comment, whether made in jest or not, misrepresents Denmark’s military presence in Greenland. While the Danish special forces operate the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, which patrols remote areas using sled dogs, this is only a small part of Denmark’s defense strategy.
According to the Danish Ministry of Defense, Denmark maintains a military base in Nuuk, housing approximately 150 personnel, along with Arctic patrol vessels and surveillance aircraft. Danish officials have committed around $6.5 billion to modernize military capabilities in Greenland over the next decade. The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, consisting of a 12-member team, utilizes dog sleds as an effective means of transportation in the region.
The United States already operates an air base in Greenland and has options for expanding its presence under a 1951 agreement with Denmark. Danish officials have expressed willingness to enhance U.S. cooperation on security matters but have firmly asserted that Greenland is not for sale.
Joanne Stocker contributed to this report.