If you read the news, watch social media, or consume any other form of media, you might have seen debates about Donald Trump’s interest in buying or even invading Greenland. Here are the facts you might have missed…
Who’s Involved?
Greenland has a population of around 57,000 people and is not its own country—it’s a self-governed territory belonging to Denmark. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in buying Greenland from Denmark and has also suggested the possibility of taking it by force. According to a recent Fox News article, Trump stated in a text to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre: “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.” The U.S. government is not ruling out taking Greenland by force, which could potentially start a war.
Why Greenland?
Trump is interested in Greenland due to its strategic location between the USA and adversaries to the east, such as Russia and China. It is home to Pituffik, the northernmost U.S. military base, as well as space surveillance equipment. According to ABC News, “It serves as a first line of defense against a missile attack over the Arctic.” Additionally, Greenland is rich in oil, gas, and other natural resources that the U.S. could use or sell.
American, Greenlandic, and Danish Problems with Trump’s Threats
According to PBS News, “Thousands march in Greenland against Trump’s threats to take over the Arctic island.” Trump has threatened to impose 10% tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—all U.S. allies—starting February 1, rising to 25% on June 1 if no deal is reached, and to remain in effect until the U.S. takes control of Greenland. In response, protests have erupted across America, Greenland, and Denmark with the slogan “Greenland is not for sale.” Many Danes and Greenlanders are boycotting American goods, which could cause economic strain, especially for small businesses.
NATO and Its Involvement
NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an alliance of 32 countries that debate political and security issues and make decisions for the good of all its members. The organization was originally founded to counter the Soviet Union’s influence in Europe, but now focuses on security, political alliances, and international relations.
By threatening a forceful takeover of Greenland (which is part of NATO because of Denmark), the United States would violate six of NATO’s fifteen articles (articles 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8).
There have been no previous expulsions from NATO; the only way to leave is voluntary disbandment. President Trump has said he would not rule out violence, even against longtime NATO allies. While expulsion is unlikely, other countries may inflict political pressure, strain alliances, and impose boycotts, all of which could lead to further problems down the line.
Ultimately, this conflict between Denmark and the United States has strained NATO’s trust, led to tariffs on American allies, and sparked protests against the government.
