Greenland’s importance begins with its location. This self-governing Danish territory lies between North America and Europe, straddling key air and sea routes across the Arctic and North Atlantic.

From NATO base to Arctic Routes: 6 reasons Greenland is key to US strategy and Trump ambitions

Trump claims Greenland is an "absolute necessity" for US security due to Russian/Chinese threats. Denmark and Greenland firmly reject the bid, demanding respect for their territorial integrity.

The real reason why Trump wants Greenland to become a US state?

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 22) reiterated that the United States “needs” Greenland for national security and not for minerals. He added that the new special envoy appointed by him to the Arctic island would “lead the charge.” This comes after Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland a day earlier, sparking criticism from Denmark and Greenland over the US president’s plans to take control over the territory.“We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals... If you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it,” Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, adding that Landry wanted to “lead the charge.”Trump has long sought Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, to become a part of the US over strategic importance and rich mineral resources. Landry, who became a governor in January 2024, has backed Trump’s position on the Arctic island.<h2>Trump lauds new special envoy to Greenland</h2>Announcing the appointment of Landry as special envoy to Greenland, Trump said, “Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country's Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World.”Responding to Trump, Landry wrote on X that “it’s an honour to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US.”<h2>Denmark, EU slams move</h2>Amid renewed tensions, Denmark has summoned the US ambassador after the appointment of Landry, who immediately vowed to make the Danish autonomous territory “a part of the US.”Meanwhile, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Trump’s latest move “deeply angered” him, warning Washington to respect Denmark’s sovereignty. The EU has also voiced support for Denmark, saying that the 27-nation bloc stands in “full solidarity” with member country Denmark.“Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law,” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said on X.

This comes after Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland a day earlier, sparking criticism from Denmark and Greenland over the US president’s plans to take control over the territory.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 22) reiterated that the United States “needs” Greenland for national security and not for minerals. He added that the new special envoy appointed by him to the Arctic island would “lead the charge.” This comes after Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland a day earlier, sparking criticism from Denmark and Greenland over the US president’s plans to take control over the territory. “We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals... If you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it,” Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, adding that Landry wanted to “lead the charge.” Trump has long sought Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, to become a part of the US over strategic importance and rich mineral resources. Landry, who became a governor in January 2024, has backed Trump’s position on the Arctic island. Trump lauds new special envoy to Greenland Announcing the appointment of Landry as special envoy to Greenland, Trump said, “Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country's Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World.” Responding to Trump, Landry wrote on X that “it’s an honour to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US.” Denmark, EU slams move Amid renewed tensions, Denmark has summoned the US ambassador after the appointment of Landry, who immediately vowed to make the Danish autonomous territory “a part of the US.” Meanwhile, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Trump’s latest move “deeply angered” him, warning Washington to respect Denmark’s sovereignty. The EU has also voiced support for Denmark, saying that the 27-nation bloc stands in “full solidarity” with member country Denmark. “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law,” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said on X.

This comes after Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland a day earlier, sparking criticism from Denmark and Greenland over the US president’s plans to take control over the territory.

US needs Greenland ‘for national security, not minerals’: Trump says amid reignited tensions with Denmark

France's foreign minister has arrived in Greenland to express his nation's "solidarity" with the Danish autonomous territory, the ministry said, after Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take over the island. Jean-Noel Barrot's two-day visit from Saturday comes days after Danish public television reported that at least three US officials close to President Trump had been in Greenland trying to identify people they could use in&nbsp;anti-Denmark influence campaigns. Denmark summoned the US charge d'affaires on Wednesday after the report of the interference operation aimed at gathering information on issues that have created tension between Greenland and Denmark.&nbsp;&nbsp;France's foreign ministry said Barrot's trip will "demonstrate France's solidarity with Denmark, Greenland and the Greenlandic people in the face of current challenges", according to a statement. The foreign minister visited a French naval vessel, the BSAM Garonne, in the port of Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on Saturday. "These regions are certainly remote, but they are now affected by a form of conflict, a new form of aggression, which is why France, a major maritime power, is present there today," Barrot said. He will meet Sunday with his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen before holding a press conference.&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland in June, expressing European solidarity with its people and criticising Trump's threat to annex the Arctic island. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly said the United States needs strategically located, resource-rich Greenland for security reasons, and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it. Both Denmark and Greenland have insisted the island is not for sale and that it will decide its future itself. Most of Greenland's 57,000 people want to become independent from Denmark, according to a January poll, but do not wish to become part of the United States.

Jean-Noel Barrot's two-day visit from Saturday comes days after Danish public television reported that at least three US officials close to President Trump had been in Greenland trying to identify people they could use in anti-Denmark influence campaigns.

France's foreign minister has arrived in Greenland to express his nation's "solidarity" with the Danish autonomous territory, the ministry said, after Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take over the island. Jean-Noel Barrot's two-day visit from Saturday comes days after Danish public television reported that at least three US officials close to President Trump had been in Greenland trying to identify people they could use in anti-Denmark influence campaigns. Denmark summoned the US charge d'affaires on Wednesday after the report of the interference operation aimed at gathering information on issues that have created tension between Greenland and Denmark. France's foreign ministry said Barrot's trip will "demonstrate France's solidarity with Denmark, Greenland and the Greenlandic people in the face of current challenges", according to a statement. The foreign minister visited a French naval vessel, the BSAM Garonne, in the port of Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on Saturday. "These regions are certainly remote, but they are now affected by a form of conflict, a new form of aggression, which is why France, a major maritime power, is present there today," Barrot said. He will meet Sunday with his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen before holding a press conference. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland in June, expressing European solidarity with its people and criticising Trump's threat to annex the Arctic island. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly said the United States needs strategically located, resource-rich Greenland for security reasons, and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it. Both Denmark and Greenland have insisted the island is not for sale and that it will decide its future itself. Most of Greenland's 57,000 people want to become independent from Denmark, according to a January poll, but do not wish to become part of the United States.

Jean-Noel Barrot's two-day visit from Saturday comes days after Danish public television reported that at least three US officials close to President Trump had been in Greenland trying to identify people they could use in&nbsp;anti-Denmark influence campaigns.

France expresses 'solidarity' to people of Greenland amid Trump's takeover plan

Denmark summoned the US charge d'affaires on Wednesday, (Aug 27) in response to reports alleging American attempts to interfere in Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The move came amid rising concerns about US interest in the strategically important, resource-rich island—a territory US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to acquire for national security purposes. According to Danish public broadcaster DR, at least three American officials with close ties to Trump were reportedly spotted in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, seeking individuals who could potentially support US-backed influence efforts aimed at weakening Danish control. Citing sources, DR suggested these activities may be part of broader US intelligence efforts.&nbsp;Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed deep concern over the recent reports of alleged US interference in Greenland, emphasising that the issue could have serious implications for diplomatic relations. Speaking to Danish television, Frederiksen remarked, “I note that the Americans have not clearly rejected the DR report today, and that is of course serious.” She had previously reacted strongly to similar allegations, stating firmly: “You cannot spy against an ally,” underlining the fundamental breach of trust such actions would represent between close partners. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, in a statement to AFP, acknowledged growing interest from “foreign actors” regarding Greenland’s status. He stated, “Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will, of course, be unacceptable."&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenland-goes-to-polls-amid-trumps-buyout-plans-8844159">Greenland goes to polls amid Trump's 'buyout' plans</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/-hands-off-greenland-denmark-s-warning-u-s-envoy-summoned-over-alleged-interference-1756352651281/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/-hands-off-greenland-denmark-s-warning-u-s-envoy-summoned-over-alleged-interference-1756352651281/embed</a><h2>US response&nbsp;</h2>In response to allegations of America's covert activities in Greenland, the White House dismissed any involvement and asked the Danish government to ‘calm down.’ “We think the Danes need to calm down,” though they stopped short of confirming any influence operations. In another statement, the US State Department confirmed that Chargé d’Affaires Mark Stroh had met with Danish officials, describing the meeting as “productive” and reaffirming the “strong ties” among the US, Denmark, and Greenland. While declining to address the actions of private American citizens in Greenland, a spokesperson said that the US respects the right of Greenland’s people to decide their own future.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reiterates-plans-to-get-greenland-says-should-not-talk-about-signal-chat-leak-during-interview-8907150">Trump reiterates plans to get Greenland, says ‘should not talk about’ Signal chat leak during interview</a><h2>US Vice President JD Vance's Greenland visit</h2>In March, US Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy with an uninvited visit to Greenland, seen as a provocation by both Copenhagen and local leaders. Initially planned as a multi-day tour, the visit was cut short to a one-day stop at the US Pituffik military base after backlash across Europe. During his speech, Vance accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland’s security, stating it had "not done a good job by the people of Greenland." The visit intensified tensions, highlighting U.S. strategic interest in the island, which hosts key missile-defence infrastructure crucial to countering threats from Russia.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-refuses-to-rule-out-military-takeover-of-denmarks-territory-says-we-need-greenland-very-badly-9036983">'We need Greenland very badly': Trump refuses to rule out military takeover of Denmark's territory</a><h2>Greenland and Denmark</h2>A January poll revealed that while a majority of Greenland’s roughly 57,000 residents support the idea of independence from Denmark, they do not favour becoming part of the United States. Both Danish and Greenlandic officials have repeatedly emphasised that the Arctic island is not for sale and that any decisions about its future will be made by its own people. In the lead-up to Greenland’s general election on March 11, Denmark’s intelligence agency raised concerns about potential foreign interference—particularly from Russia. However, the agency confirmed that no actual attempts at meddling were detected. Denmark, like the United States, is a founding member of NATO and has stood as a close military ally, having participated in US-led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest in Greenland from Washington isn’t new. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported in May that US intelligence agencies had been instructed to gather information on Greenland’s independence movement, including identifying figures in both Greenland and Denmark who might align with American strategic interests. President Donald Trump had openly expressed a desire to purchase the island, citing its strategic Arctic location, vast mineral wealth, and the presence of a crucial US missile defence base at Pituffik. As Arctic ice melts, opening new shipping routes and increasing access to resources, Greenland’s geopolitical value has grown—raising alarms in Washington over expanding Russian and Chinese influence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Greenland is back in conversation after Denmark summoned the US envoy over alleged US interference in the Danish territory. The US, however, has told Denmark to "calm down." Both Denmark and Greenland insist the island isn’t for sale.

Denmark summoned the US charge d'affaires on Wednesday, (Aug 27) in response to reports alleging American attempts to interfere in Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The move came amid rising concerns about US interest in the strategically important, resource-rich island—a territory US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to acquire for national security purposes. According to Danish public broadcaster DR, at least three American officials with close ties to Trump were reportedly spotted in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, seeking individuals who could potentially support US-backed influence efforts aimed at weakening Danish control. Citing sources, DR suggested these activities may be part of broader US intelligence efforts. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed deep concern over the recent reports of alleged US interference in Greenland, emphasising that the issue could have serious implications for diplomatic relations. Speaking to Danish television, Frederiksen remarked, “I note that the Americans have not clearly rejected the DR report today, and that is of course serious.” She had previously reacted strongly to similar allegations, stating firmly: “You cannot spy against an ally,” underlining the fundamental breach of trust such actions would represent between close partners. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, in a statement to AFP, acknowledged growing interest from “foreign actors” regarding Greenland’s status. He stated, “Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will, of course, be unacceptable." Read More | Greenland goes to polls amid Trump's 'buyout' plans https://www.wionews.com/videos/-hands-off-greenland-denmark-s-warning-u-s-envoy-summoned-over-alleged-interference-1756352651281/embed US response In response to allegations of America's covert activities in Greenland, the White House dismissed any involvement and asked the Danish government to ‘calm down.’ “We think the Danes need to calm down,” though they stopped short of confirming any influence operations. In another statement, the US State Department confirmed that Chargé d’Affaires Mark Stroh had met with Danish officials, describing the meeting as “productive” and reaffirming the “strong ties” among the US, Denmark, and Greenland. While declining to address the actions of private American citizens in Greenland, a spokesperson said that the US respects the right of Greenland’s people to decide their own future. Read More | Trump reiterates plans to get Greenland, says ‘should not talk about’ Signal chat leak during interview US Vice President JD Vance's Greenland visit In March, US Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy with an uninvited visit to Greenland, seen as a provocation by both Copenhagen and local leaders. Initially planned as a multi-day tour, the visit was cut short to a one-day stop at the US Pituffik military base after backlash across Europe. During his speech, Vance accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland’s security, stating it had "not done a good job by the people of Greenland." The visit intensified tensions, highlighting U.S. strategic interest in the island, which hosts key missile-defence infrastructure crucial to countering threats from Russia. Read More | 'We need Greenland very badly': Trump refuses to rule out military takeover of Denmark's territory Greenland and Denmark A January poll revealed that while a majority of Greenland’s roughly 57,000 residents support the idea of independence from Denmark, they do not favour becoming part of the United States. Both Danish and Greenlandic officials have repeatedly emphasised that the Arctic island is not for sale and that any decisions about its future will be made by its own people. In the lead-up to Greenland’s general election on March 11, Denmark’s intelligence agency raised concerns about potential foreign interference—particularly from Russia. However, the agency confirmed that no actual attempts at meddling were detected. Denmark, like the United States, is a founding member of NATO and has stood as a close military ally, having participated in US-led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Interest in Greenland from Washington isn’t new. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported in May that US intelligence agencies had been instructed to gather information on Greenland’s independence movement, including identifying figures in both Greenland and Denmark who might align with American strategic interests. President Donald Trump had openly expressed a desire to purchase the island, citing its strategic Arctic location, vast mineral wealth, and the presence of a crucial US missile defence base at Pituffik. As Arctic ice melts, opening new shipping routes and increasing access to resources, Greenland’s geopolitical value has grown—raising alarms in Washington over expanding Russian and Chinese influence.

Greenland is back in conversation after Denmark summoned the US envoy over alleged US interference in the Danish territory. The US, however, has told Denmark to "calm down." Both Denmark and Greenland insist the island isn’t for sale.

Trump's 'Greenland takeover' plans: Denmark summons US diplomat over 'spying' reports, America says 'calm down' - What's happening

Denmark has summoned the US charge d’affaires after reports emerged that officials close to President Trump were attempting to interfere in Greenland’s internal affairs. Danish media say US operatives sought to influence the independence movement in the Arctic territory — a strategic and resource-rich region Trump has shown repeated interest in. Denmark and Greenland have condemned the alleged actions, reaffirming the island’s autonomy and right to self-determination. Here’s what we know about the rising tensions.

'Hands off Greenland': Denmark's warning | U.S. envoy summoned over alleged interference 