The US has been making overtures towards taking control of Greenland, a move that is being met with skepticism from the Danish government and Greenlandic residents alike. At the heart of this push are concerns about American security and access to natural resources, including minerals.
The White House sees ownership as key to gaining leverage in regional affairs, citing strategic importance for national interests. However, officials say it's not clear how much buying the island could cost, or if the US would be purchasing it from Denmark or Greenland itself.
Greenland is a semiautonomous region that is part of NATO ally Denmark, but its population of around 57,000 does not have its own military. The Danish military provides defense, which is dwarfed by that of the US. NATO officials warn that an American takeover could lead to a crisis in alliance relations.
Greenlanders themselves are opposed to becoming part of the US, with many seeking greater autonomy or even independence. Politicians on the island say they want more rights and better representation, but do not desire assimilation into the American system.
The idea of a US takeover has been met with fierce opposition from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who warns that an American acquisition would mark the end of NATO. Greenlandic politicians have also expressed skepticism about influence operations attempting to persuade them to join the US.
There are concerns about how much it would cost for the US to take control of Greenland and provide a welfare state for its residents. Danish citizenship provides Greenlanders with free healthcare, education, and other benefits that Trump may struggle to match.
It's unclear whether the US is planning military action or if they'll rely on diplomatic efforts. However, one thing seems certain - Greenland is unlikely to become part of America anytime soon.
The White House sees ownership as key to gaining leverage in regional affairs, citing strategic importance for national interests. However, officials say it's not clear how much buying the island could cost, or if the US would be purchasing it from Denmark or Greenland itself.
Greenland is a semiautonomous region that is part of NATO ally Denmark, but its population of around 57,000 does not have its own military. The Danish military provides defense, which is dwarfed by that of the US. NATO officials warn that an American takeover could lead to a crisis in alliance relations.
Greenlanders themselves are opposed to becoming part of the US, with many seeking greater autonomy or even independence. Politicians on the island say they want more rights and better representation, but do not desire assimilation into the American system.
The idea of a US takeover has been met with fierce opposition from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who warns that an American acquisition would mark the end of NATO. Greenlandic politicians have also expressed skepticism about influence operations attempting to persuade them to join the US.
There are concerns about how much it would cost for the US to take control of Greenland and provide a welfare state for its residents. Danish citizenship provides Greenlanders with free healthcare, education, and other benefits that Trump may struggle to match.
It's unclear whether the US is planning military action or if they'll rely on diplomatic efforts. However, one thing seems certain - Greenland is unlikely to become part of America anytime soon.