Officially, Trump argues that the island plays a central role in the United States for national security reasons. But in reality, it’s about geostrategic control, containing China, and gaining access to vast deposits of raw materials.Trump’s geopolitical motives: control of the Arctic
Greenland is of strategic importance because of its location in the Arctic. The region is becoming increasingly accessible due to climate change, and the United States fears that China and Russia could take advantage of newly emerging trade routes and raw material sources.
- Trump justifies his interest in Greenland with national security: “We need Greenland, for national security, for international security. We’re going to get it – one way or another.”
- The United States already has military bases in Greenland and may further expand its presence.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was ambiguous about this, indicating that NATO cannot intervene against US expansion into Greenland.
Greenland’s wealth of resources – a billion-dollar business for the United States. Another central reason for Trump’s interest in Greenland is the island‘s vast mineral reserves.
- Greenland owns 25 of the world’s most important commodities, including:
- Rare Earth Elements
- Graphite
- Copper
- Nickel
- Gold
- Uranium
- Titanium
- Iron
- Zinc
- These raw materials are crucial for the global technology and defense industries.
The Trump administration wants to bring Greenland’s raw materials under U.S. control and thus squeeze China out of the global supply chain.
Trump publicly claims that it is a matter of national security, but in reality it is about power, resources and geopolitical dominance.
Translated and edited by L.Earth
