To me this issue is a common sense issue. What issue? … one of Trump’s ideas. Certainly, President Trump has many ideas, some of which are deemed frivolous and not commonsensical. However, this particular idea of his makes a lot of sense to me … the idea being the U.S.’s acquisition of Greenland.
Let’s think about this for a minute.
A lot of what follows is from shortlists.com:
Greenland joining the United States would have strong economic, military, and geopolitical advantages. The island is rich in untapped resources, which include rare earth minerals that are crucial for modern technology and defense industries.
As China continues to aggressively expand its influence in resource-rich regions, the idea of America obtaining control over Greenland could potentially secure vital materials needed for national security and U.S. technological advancement.
Beyond its wealth of natural resources, Greenland also holds strategic military value. The United States already operates the Thule Air Base there, which is a key site for American missile defense and Arctic operations.
In a scenario where Greenland joined the U.S., America would gain a much stronger foothold in the Arctic. This is an increasingly contested region where both China and Russia are expanding their presence.
But would Greenland becoming the 51st state benefit Greenland?
Acquisition by the United States would likely boost infrastructure, create jobs, and modernize the island’s economy, which would make the island far more self-sufficient than they are currently under Danish rule. Although many Greenlanders favor independence, achieving it as they currently stand is highly unlikely, and U.S. investment could help them build the stability they need.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede has resisted at every turn, arguing that the island values its autonomy and prefers to foster relationships with nations that respect its sovereignty. Despite Egede’s claims and recent polls that suggest 84% of Greenlanders support its independence, the island is not able to financially support itself.
Greenland’s economy heavily relies on an annual block grant from Denmark, which covers around 60% of its budget. This makes economic self-sufficiency a major obstacle. The island’s economy is primarily based on fishing, although there are hopes that resource extraction (rare earth minerals, oil, gas) could eventually provide the revenue needed for their independence.
However, these industries are still underdeveloped, and the infrastructure required would need a vigorous economic foundation — something Trump’s proposal claims to offer.
And finally from Denmark’s perspective holding on to Greenland is now, and will to be a continuous drain on its economy, with little if anything in return. The enormous distance between Denmark and Greenland is just a small part of the problem, and the finances that would be needed to develop Greenland is out of reach for Denmark.
In conclusion, I look for the U.S. to acquire Greenland in the next four years. It’s just common sense!
3/14/25