Greenland: fresh salience |
President Donald Trump mentioned his interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark during his first term in 2019. The Danes did not take the idea seriously. Trump also did not pursue the matter. Greenland is currently an autonomous part of Denmark which exercises powers only in the areas of defence, foreign affairs and currency. It was a Danish colony till 1953 when it was integrated into Denmark. Later in 1978 it was granted partial autonomy whose scope was expanded to full economy in 2008.
After his election for a second term Trump revived his desire for Greenland. He said, in December 2024, that its acquisition was essential for US national security. He strongly referred to Greenland in his state of the union address in March 2025. What Trump stated then needs to be fully quoted because it shows his determination to amalgamate Greenland into the United States.
Trump said “I also have a message tonight for the incredible people of Greenland. We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and, if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America. We need Greenland for national security and even international security, and we’re working with everybody involved to try and get it. But we need it, really, for international world security. And I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it. We will keep you safe. We will make you rich. And together, we........