President-elect Donald Trump is doubling down on his belief that Greenland should become part of the U.S., arguing that Denmark must take responsibility for defending the Arctic territory or allow America to take control. Former National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien laid out Trump’s position in a weekend interview.
O’Brien called Greenland “a highway to North America” and a key point of contention in the Arctic, where warming temperatures have intensified competition among global powers. “The Russians and Chinese are all over the Arctic,” O’Brien said, pointing to their growing influence in the region.
Denmark has had Greenland since 1380 and hasn't done shit with it.
We're going to put a 70-story Trump Tower in Nuuk.
— Jared Dillian (@dailydirtnap) December 24, 2024
Denmark increases defense budget for its island of Greenland after Trump expresses interest in purchasing it
"Now we are planning a stronger presence."
source @BBCBreaking pic.twitter.com/T79Jheoh5h
— dustin mills (@dustinemills24) December 24, 2024
Trump’s plan gives Denmark three options: increase its defense spending in Greenland, pay the U.S. to handle its security, or sell the island to the U.S. O’Brien emphasized that the U.S. cannot continue protecting Greenland without compensation.
It's really not that strange that Trump tried to buy Greenland from Denmark in 2019. It was the fourth serious offer. (Seward tried in 1867, others in 1910 and 1946). Also the US bought the Danish Virgin Islands in the Caribbean in 1917 for $25m.
Retweet to get this deal done! pic.twitter.com/hvoE53RXB8
— Vandie (@VanDiemen_) December 21, 2024
I recently had the opportunity to tell a congressman (real btw) we need to follow through on Trump's plan to buy Greenland and begin rare-earth metal excavation…
To my pleasant surprise, he did not treat it as a joke and informed me this has been seriously considered https://t.co/EiMUt0XBin
— Lomez (@L0m3z) November 7, 2024
Greenland’s vast resources, including oil and minerals, are central to Trump’s interest. O’Brien suggested that allowing Denmark to profit from these resources while relying on the U.S. for defense is untenable.
🚨 NOW: Rolling power outages have been occurring in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, for TEN HOURS now
20,000 people live in Nuuk, and it’s current -17°F
President Trump would never allow this to happen to you, Greenland!
Time to join us.
pic.twitter.com/1zZeWgvyav— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 29, 2024
This is why purchasing Greenland would a monumental investment for the United States.
By 2040, shipping firms expect to open new polar and northern sea routes for global trade and this could be controlled by the United States.
President Trump is right about Greenland. pic.twitter.com/areUZlMHEA
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) December 25, 2024
If purchased, Greenland could become part of Alaska, O’Brien noted, citing the cultural connections between Greenland’s native population and Alaskans. “We’re not going to defend their empire for free,” he added.
Greenland's response to Trump's offer to buy their country. pic.twitter.com/EJs7BnD9jd
— Steve (@oldguy_steve) December 28, 2024
The push for Greenland underscores the Trump administration’s focus on Arctic strategy as a vital component of U.S. national security.
