Donald Trump has make no bones about wanting to add several countries to the United States. He named Greenland some time ago as a territory he would like to acquire for the expansion of the Union. Along with that he also offered Canada the possibility of joining the United States as the fifty first state. This has been summarily declined by the government of Canada.
Greenland was also openly hostile to Trumps offer as were Denmark who protect Greenland as a part of their country currently. Greenland are the largest part of the Danish Kingdom and are autonomously controlled but protected by the Danish military. Greenland are currently seeking independence as is their right under the Danish constitution.
The nation is mineral and gas rich and the capital of Nuuk is closer to New York than Copenhagen. These are perceived strengths of the United States acquisition plan but also the American's see the protection of the island as central to their need to seek government over the territory. If it were to fall under Russian control it would represent a significant blow to defense of the US against missile strikes as well as the protection of Europe from invasion in that area.
The United States are also interested in Denmark because they invaded it during World War Two and established an air base on the island. They remained there during the cold war maintaining Thule Airbase which subsequently became Pituffik Space Base. The island is in the path of nuclear ICBMs were they to be launched at the United States from Russia. This makes it of strategic importance to Trump's United States which is said to be considering offering a COFA agreement to Greenland where it would offer to provide essential services and tariff free trade in exchange for unfettered military access and protection.
In March U.S. Vice President JD Vance on a visit to the island accused fellow NATO member Denmark of not doing a good job keeping Greenland safe and suggested the United States would better protect the territory. Reuters
In basis, the thinking behind the acquisition of Greenland by the United States involves an historical element which includes an ongoing military relationship with the territory since WWII. Bolstering Defense capabilities in the region as well as solidifying control over mineral and gas reserves in the area. Although Trump's handling of the process may seem heavy handed there would appear to be genuine reasons that support negotiations about the proposal.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Reference List
Why does Trump want Greenland and what do its people think? Ido Vock BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74x4m71pmjo
Exclusive: US weighs special status for Greenland as quest for island intensifies By Gram Slattery, Valerie Volcovici and Steve Holland https://www.reuters.com/world/us-weighs-special-status-greenland-quest-island-intensifies-2025-05-09/
Denmark won't bend to Trump's pressure over Greenland, prime minister says By Reuters
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