A Chronicle of Colonial Rule
The biggest island in the world, Greenland has long been a focus of geopolitical attention since its past is directly related to Denmark’s colonial aspirations. Originally home to Norwegian Vikings under Erik the Red in the tenth century, the island joined the Norwegian crown in 1261.
European claims for Greenland originated in this early absorption into the Kingdom of Norway.
Greenland was turned to Denmark by the Treaty of Kiel following the Napoleonic Wars and the breakup of the Denmark-Norway alliance in 1814.
Denmark’s legal jurisdiction over the island was cemented in 1933 when the Permanent Court of International Justice decided in favour of Denmark despite Norway’s later attempts to challenge this sovereignty.
The Road to Autonomy for Greenland
The political scene of Greenland has changed dramatically within the last several years. Denmark awarded the island home rule in 1979, therefore beginning the process of autonomy.
While Denmark still retains power over defense and foreign policy, this self-governance grew even more in 2009 when Greenland took sovereignty over most of her internal affairs.
Greenland still depends financially on Denmark notwithstanding these steps toward independence.
The Danish government grants the island over $1 billion yearly subsidies as of 2025. Still, Greenland’s strategic location and wealth of natural resources keep it a great advantage for big world powers.
Trump’s Revised Interest in Greenland
Returning to the White House in November 2024 as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump has resurrected his dubious ambition to conquer Greenland.
With reference to Greenland’s strategic Arctic position and abundance of rare-earth elements, Trump said during a speech on March 10, 2025, that Greenland is “essential for American freedom and security.”
Reinforcing its importance for American defense operations, the United States has kept a military presence on the island since 1951 through the Pituffik Space Base (originally Thule Air Base).
Greenland has about 38 million tons of rare-earth elements, which are essential for advanced technology and defense sectors, according a March 2025 U.S. Geological Survey estimate.
A $200 Billion Plan and Diplomatic Pressure
A leaked U.S. State Department memo dated March 12, 2025, exposed in a daring gesture that Trump’s government is getting ready to grant Greenland $200 billions. Additionally included in this proposal are U.S. citizenship rewards for Greenlanders ready for integration.
Trump kept a private meeting on March 13, 2025 with Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede to intensify his activities even more. Trump allegedly pledged to triple Denmark’s yearly subsidies should a deal be struck at the meeting.
According to an unidentified diplomatic source, Trump sees financial incentives as a potent weapon to get Copenhagen to change its resistance.
Denmark’s Firm Rejecting Agent
Denmark is unflinching even with Trump’s harsh campaign. Reacting to Trump’s most recent offer, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly said in an interview with Politiken on March 15, 2025, “Greenland is not for sale—now or ever.”
This is consistent with her past position when Trump first floated the concept during his previous tenure of office.
Furthermore lacking enthusiasm in joining the United States are Greenlandic leaders.
A fake poll conducted by Nuuk in March 2025 indicates that 80% of Greenlanders would rather have complete autonomy than American annexation, so indicating substantial local opposition to Trump’s plan.
Economic Stress and Historical Comparisons
Not discouraged by Denmark’s rejection, Trump has made hints about applying economic pressure to forward his goal.
He said on X (previously Twitter) on March 14, 2025, that should Denmark refuse to negotiate, the United States may levy taxes on Danish products, including pharmaceuticals from Novo Nordisk.
This economic might reflects past American expansion tactics like the 1867 acquisition of Alaska from Russia.
Trump’s fresh enthusiasm for Greenland also underscores the continuous strategic rivalry in the Arctic among the United States, Russia, and China.
Controlling Greenland might provide the United States a major strategic advantage as climate change opens new trade lanes and resource prospects.
Future of Greenland: Acquisition or Autonomy
Although Trump’s appeal for Greenland has attracted international attention, the island’s destiny is yet unknown.
Rejecting both Danish and American domination, Greenlandic officials nonetheless give their long-term objective of complete independence from Denmark top priority.
The people of Greenland and their goals for self-determination will probably determine the result of Trump’s revived efforts.
The island’s government is dedicated to creating their own path despite financial incentives and economic pressures, therefore providing little opportunity for a U.S. takeover.
Greenland currently represents both Arctic aspiration and the ongoing fight for sovereignty in an ever more competitive environment.
