Why Greenland Is So Important And Why Trump Wants It
Experts say the US interest in Greenland is driven by long-term plans for security, resources and future trade routes, despite President Trump’s controversial statements.
Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of around 57,000, is once again in global focus after repeated statements by US President Donald Trump about taking control of the island. Though it may sound shocking, experts say there are strong strategic reasons behind America’s interest in Greenland.
Recently, President Trump has shared AI-generated images on social media showing Greenland as part of the United States. While this has created controversy, Trump is not the first US leader to show interest in Greenland. In 1867, US Secretary of State William H. Seward suggested taking control of Greenland and Iceland. In 1910, a US diplomat even proposed exchanging a Philippine island for Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman officially offered Denmark $100 million in gold to buy Greenland, but the offer was rejected.
Now in 2026, reports suggest that the Trump administration may offer money directly to Greenland’s residents, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person, to convince them to join the US. This has raised serious concerns in Denmark and Europe.
One major reason for US interest is security. Greenland is located between the US, Europe and Russia, making it highly important from a military point of view. Russia has already increased its presence in the Arctic by reopening military bases and building a large fleet of icebreakers. Control over Greenland would help the US closely monitor Russian activities in the region.
Another key reason is natural resources. China currently leads the world in rare earth mineral reserves, which are crucial for modern technology. Greenland ranks eighth in these reserves, making it attractive to the US. Greenland also holds about 10 percent of the world’s freshwater in the form of ice. As global temperatures rise, this freshwater could become extremely valuable in the future.
Melting ice in the Arctic is also expected to open new sea trade routes. Areas like Baffin Bay are seeing rapid ice loss, which may allow ships to travel shorter distances and reduce costs. Though this will take years, experts say the US is planning far ahead.
Experts also believe Trump’s actions reflect long-term thinking. Some compare this strategy to the British Empire, which reduced land borders and focused on maritime power. Trump has earlier suggested Canada should join the US and recently shared images showing Greenland, Canada and Venezuela as part of America. Analysts say the US may want to reduce land neighbours and be surrounded mostly by seas to stay secure and powerful.
While Trump’s statements may appear extreme, experts believe there is a calculated strategy behind them. The push for Greenland, they say, is part of a long-term plan to secure US power and influence for the next century and beyond.
