U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint a special envoy for Greenland has once again thrust Washington’s Arctic ambitions into the spotlight, prompting strong reactions from Denmark and Greenlandic authorities.
According to the BBC, Trump said the move was driven by U.S. national security concerns, arguing that the United States “needs Greenland” and that the island “must be owned” by Washington. He has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of force, a stance that has alarmed Denmark, a long standing NATO ally.
Strategic importance in the Arctic
Greenland’s geopolitical value stems largely from its strategic location in the Arctic, lying along the shortest route between North America and Europe. This makes the island critical for missile defence and early warning systems.
The United States has maintained a military presence on the island since World War II, most notably at Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), which plays a central role in missile detection and space surveillance. A 1951 defence agreement with Denmark grants Washington extensive rights to operate military facilities in Greenland.
Security analysts note that in the event of a Russian missile launch towards the U.S., the shortest trajectory would pass over the Arctic and Greenland, reinforcing the island’s strategic relevance.
Natural resources and rare earths
Beyond defence, Greenland is drawing increasing attention for its vast mineral wealth, including rare earth elements, uranium, iron ore, gold, zinc and potential oil and gas reserves. Rare earths are essential for modern technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles and advanced military systems.
Some of the world’s largest untapped rare earth deposits are believed to be located in Greenland. However, mining remains limited due to harsh weather conditions, extensive ice cover and high extraction costs. Climate change, which is accelerating ice melt in some regions, could improve access to certain deposits.
Diplomatic backlash
Trump’s latest move has triggered diplomatic backlash. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the appointment as “deeply regrettable” and urged Washington to respect Denmark’s sovereignty.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island was open to cooperation with the U.S. and other partners, but only on the basis of mutual respect, stressing that Greenland’s future would be decided by its own people.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union stood in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.
Who is Trump’s envoy?
Trump appointed Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, as his special representative for Greenland. Landry, a former police officer and military veteran, has publicly supported Greenland’s incorporation into the United States, calling it beneficial for both sides.
