President Donald Trump has recently intensified his rhetoric regarding Greenland, asserting that the United States should take control of the island to bolster national security. This perspective has faced immediate rejection from officials in Greenland and NATO allies. At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 19, 2024, Trump stated that acquiring Greenland is “a core national security interest of the United States of America.” This statement reflects his long-standing interest in purchasing the self-governing territory from Denmark.
During a later meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Trump appeared to soften his stance, suggesting that they had reached “the framework of a future deal” regarding Greenland. However, he did not disclose specific details about this supposed agreement. In defending his position, Trump has made several claims that lack factual support, particularly regarding Denmark’s legal ownership of the territory.
Denmark’s Legal Ownership of Greenland
In a text exchange with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump questioned Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, claiming there are “no written documents” establishing ownership. This assertion is inaccurate. There are indeed established legal agreements and court rulings affirming Denmark’s claim to Greenland, including a declaration from the U.S. Secretary of State in 1916 that recognized Danish control over the territory. Additionally, an international court ruled in 1933 that Denmark holds valid sovereignty over the entire island.
“Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland has been internationally recognized, including by the U.S.,” noted Marc Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defence College. This historical context underscores the legitimacy of Denmark’s claim, which has persisted since Danish explorers began colonizing the island in the early 1700s.
Claims of Military Threats in the Region
Trump has also suggested that Greenland is surrounded by Russian and Chinese naval forces. At a press gaggle on January 4, he claimed, “Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.” This assertion was reiterated at a January 9 press conference, where he expressed concerns about Russian and Chinese military presence in the area.
Contrary to Trump’s claims, there is no evidence supporting the idea that numerous Russian or Chinese military vessels are operating near Greenland. Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland’s Minister of Business, stated she was “not aware” of such ships in the vicinity. Public ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic shows mostly fishing boats in the region, with no significant presence of Russian or Chinese naval forces. Experts, including Romain Chuffart from The Arctic Institute, have dismissed Trump’s assertions as unfounded, noting that Russian naval activities are primarily concentrated near Norway and that China’s Arctic involvement is largely trade-focused.
Mischaracterizing Greenland’s Defense
In another controversial statement, Trump remarked on January 11 that Greenland’s defense capabilities consist of “two dog sleds.” While he may have intended this as a light-hearted comment, it misrepresents the reality of Greenland’s defense situation. The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, a unit of Danish special forces, does use sled dogs for patrolling remote areas, but this is only one aspect of Denmark’s military presence in Greenland.
The Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed that the country deploys Arctic patrol vessels, surveillance aircraft, and maintains a military base in Nuuk with approximately 150 personnel. Furthermore, Denmark has committed around $6.5 billion to modernize its military capabilities in Greenland over the next decade. This investment reflects a serious commitment to ensuring the island’s security in light of evolving global dynamics.
The U.S. already operates an air base in Greenland and has the option to expand its presence under a 1951 agreement with Denmark. Danish officials have expressed willingness to enhance cooperation on security matters but have firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale.
As the debate continues, Trump’s assertions about Greenland and Denmark’s role in its defense raise questions about the accuracy of his claims and the implications for international relations in the Arctic region.
