Greenland and usa
- YAQOOPKING الاحمدي
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Based on current geopolitical discussions and recent statements from the Trump administration (as of January 2026), Donald Trump's interest in "taking" Greenland centers on two primary methods: a diplomatic purchase (which he prefers) and a theoretical military intervention (which his administration has notably refused to rule out).
Here is a breakdown of how these scenarios could theoretically unfold and the massive obstacles standing in the way.
1. The Diplomatic Path: The "Real Estate Deal"
This is the administration's stated preference. Trump views this as a massive real estate transaction similar to the Louisiana Purchase or the US purchase of the Danish West Indies (now the US Virgin Islands) in 1917.
** The Offer:** The US would likely offer a massive lump sum to Denmark and potentially a direct cash payout or "dividend" to every citizen of Greenland to incentivize them.
The Mechanism:
Treaty of Transfer: The US and Denmark would need to draft a treaty transferring sovereignty.
Referendum: Because Greenland has had self-rule since 2009, Denmark cannot legally sell the island without the consent of the Greenlandic people. A referendum would be required in Greenland.
Status Change: Greenland would likely transition from a self-governing territory of Denmark to an organized territory of the US (like Puerto Rico) or potentially a state, though the latter is politically complex.
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Why this fails: Greenland's Premier and Denmark's Prime Minister have consistently stated the island is "not for sale." Under the 2009 Self-Government Act, Greenlanders are a distinct people with the right to self-determination; Denmark literally cannot sell them against their will.
2. The Military Path: The "Hostile Takeover"
In January 2026, following a US military operation in Venezuela, the White House explicitly stated that "utilizing the US military is always an option" to secure Greenland. This introduced a much more aggressive, albeit theoretical, "how."
Justification: The US would likely cite the Monroe Doctrine (preventing foreign powers like China or Russia from gaining a foothold in the Western Hemisphere) and "National Security" (protecting the critical Pituffik Space Base).
The Scenario:
Ultimatum: The US could demand Denmark cede control of foreign policy and defense regarding Greenland to Washington.
Occupation: If refused, the US could expand its existing presence at Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule) to occupy key ports and airports, effectively seizing control of the island's strategic points.
The Consequence (The NATO Breaker): This is the "nuclear option" of geopolitics. Denmark is a NATO member. If the US militarily attacked or seized territory from Denmark, it would trigger Article 5 (an attack on one is an attack on all).
This would force NATO allies (UK, France, Germany, etc.) to technically be at war with the US to defend Denmark, or else the NATO alliance would instantly collapse.
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Why Does He Want It?
Regardless of the method, the motivation remains consistent:
Rare Earth Minerals: Greenland holds some of the world's largest undeveloped deposits of rare earth metals (neodymium, dysprosium) essential for batteries, fighter jets, and iPhones. Currently, China dominates this supply chain.
Arctic Dominance: As ice melts, new shipping lanes are opening. Controlling Greenland gives the US dominance over the Arctic ocean, checking Russian and Chinese expansion in the region.
Strategic Defense: The US already has the Pituffik Space Base there, which is critical for missile warning and space surveillance.
Summary
For Trump to "take" Greenland legally, he needs the Greenlandic people to agree to be bought. For him to take it forcefully, he would have to be willing to potentially dismantle the NATO alliance, as he would be attacking one of his own military allies.
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