Greenland at the Center of Big Power Politics: Why Trump Wants It?

The United States’ recent intervention in Venezuela and president Trump's repeated overtones about Greenland has raised anxiety in Europe. Trump has suggested the vast Arctic island should become part of the United States. The comments have sharpened focus on Greenland’s strategic importance, Washington’s long-standing military presence there, and why the world’s largest island and home to just 57,000 people has become a geopolitical prize.

Why Trump Wants Greenland

Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to US national security, citing its location in the Arctic and its growing importance as global competition intensifies in the region. As climate change opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources, the Arctic has emerged as a key arena for strategic rivalry involving the United States, Russia, and China.

Trump has framed Greenland as essential for protecting the US homeland, emphasizing that the shortest route for intercontinental ballistic missiles traveling from Europe or Russia to North America passes over the Arctic and directly near Greenland. On January 4, he renewed calls for the island to become part of the United States, despite firm rejection from Denmark, whose prime minister warned against “threatening” the territory.

US Presence in Greenland

The United States already maintains a significant military footprint in Greenland through Thule Air Base in the island’s northwest. Established during the Cold War, the base remains a cornerstone of the US ballistic missile early-warning system and space surveillance operations.

From Greenland, US forces can track missile launches, monitor space activity, and project power across the Arctic and North Atlantic. Although Greenland is not a sovereign member of NATO, it is part of the alliance through Denmark’s membership, further embedding the island in Western security architecture.

What Is Greenland?

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own parliament and control over most domestic affairs, while Denmark manages defense and foreign policy. Geographically, it is part of North America, but politically and culturally it is closely tied to Europe and the Arctic world.

Despite its massive size, Greenland’s population is small, with most residents living along the southern and western coasts.

Rising Fears and Global Tensions

The renewed concerns over Greenland comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty. Observers note that assertive US rhetoric elsewhere has fueled concern that strategic territories could become bargaining chips in great-power competition. While there is no indication of imminent action regarding Greenland, Trump’s statements have unsettled both Danish officials and Greenland’s government.