Here's why the US is picking a fight with Denmark over Greenland — and what Greenland thinks about it

Danish officials have repeatedly told President Donald Trump that Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, is "not for sale." However, Trump remains undeterred in his efforts to annex the island, arguing that it is essential for US security and access to strategic resources. The US vice president, JD Vance, and his wife, Usha, recently visited Greenland, including a stop at the US-operated Pituffik Space Base, despite facing significant opposition to Trump’s annexation plans. Before Vance’s trip, Trump emphasized the importance of Greenland, stating, "We need it. We have to have it." He even suggested that the US might use military force to achieve this goal. The sentiment is not shared by Greenlanders, as a recent survey by Verian, commissioned by the Danish newspaper Berlingske and the Greenlandic daily Sermitsiaq, found that 85% of Greenlanders do not want to be part of the United States. Only 6% of respondents expressed a desire to join the US, while 9% were undecided. Denmark granted Greenland broad self-governing autonomy in 2009, including the right to declare independence through a referendum. Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede, who supports the island’s push for independence, criticized the visit as "very aggressive," especially with the presence of national security advisor Michael Waltz. Egede questioned the purpose of Waltz’s visit, suggesting it was to demonstrate US power over Greenland. "His mere presence in Greenland will no doubt fuel American belief in Trump’s mission — and the pressure will increase," Egede told Sermitsiaq. During his visit, Vance criticized Denmark, accusing it of neglecting Greenland’s security and economic needs. "Our message to Denmark is very simple — you have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance said. "You have under-invested in the people of Greenland, and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful land mass." Vance argued that Greenland would benefit from being under the "security umbrella" of the United States, particularly in light of the increasing interest from China and Russia in the region. Recent protests in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital and most populous city, have highlighted the islanders' opposition to Trump’s rhetoric. Many Greenlanders are apprehensive about the US president’s efforts to annex their land, especially as the territory considers its future independence. However, Trump sees an opportunity and remains committed to his America-first agenda. The United States is particularly interested in Greenland due to its untapped mineral resources, especially oil and gas, which are located within the Arctic Circle. As climate change leads to the melting of ice, strategic shipping channels are opening up, making Greenland an even more attractive target for global powers. This resource-rich and strategically important location aligns with Trump’s vision of enhancing US security and economic interests. The US has a long-standing military presence in Greenland, with the Pituffik Space Base being a key asset. The base plays a crucial role in monitoring space and supporting missile defense systems, further emphasizing the strategic importance of the island. Vance’s visit to the base underscores the US’s commitment to maintaining and possibly expanding its influence in the region. Greenland’s push for independence is a complex issue, involving economic, cultural, and political factors. The island’s economy is heavily reliant on fishing and a small but growing tourism industry. However, the discovery of mineral resources and the potential for new shipping routes could provide a significant boost to its economic development. This makes the island a valuable asset for any nation looking to expand its influence in the Arctic. While the US sees Greenland as a strategic and resource-rich territory, the Danish government and many Greenlanders view Trump’s annexation efforts as a violation of their sovereignty and rights. The Danish government has consistently rejected the idea of selling Greenland, emphasizing that the island is an integral part of the Danish realm. Greenland’s own government and citizens are equally determined to maintain their autonomy and explore the path to full independence. The tension between the US, Denmark, and Greenland highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic region. As the Arctic ice melts, access to resources and new shipping routes becomes more feasible, leading to increased competition and conflict among global powers. Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland is part of a larger strategy to assert US dominance in the Arctic, a region that is becoming increasingly important for international security and economic interests. In response to the US’s overtures, Greenland’s leaders and citizens are strengthening their resolve to determine their own future. The visit by Vance and the presence of high-ranking US officials have only intensified the debate and resistance. The future of Greenland remains uncertain, as it navigates the complexities of its relationship with Denmark and the growing interest from the United States and other global powers.