Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has once again emphasized Denmark’s stance on Greenland, underscoring that the island, along with its leadership, has consistently expressed no interest in becoming part of the United States.

This raises the question of why former President Donald Trump seemed to fixate on acquiring this secluded, sparsely inhabited island, stirring diplomatic tensions with European allies in the process.

Greenland, a vast expanse of 2.16 million square kilometers rich in natural resources, was once a Danish colony. Today, it exists as an autonomous territory under Denmark, nestled in the Arctic region.

Renowned as the world’s least densely populated country, Greenland’s 56,000 residents rely heavily on boats, helicopters, and planes to connect its scattered towns, most of which are located along the island’s western shore.

The capital city, Nuuk, exemplifies these settlements with its vibrant, colorful homes nestled between rugged coastlines and towering inland mountains, capturing the unique charm of this remote territory.

Outside the towns, Greenland is mostly wilderness with 81 per cent of its land under ice. Nearly 90 per cent of its population is of Inuit origin and the territory’s economy has long revolved around fishing.

Why is it so important strategically?

These rare earth minerals are increasingly crucial to the global economy since they are required to manufacture everything from electric cars and wind turbines to military equipment.

Greenland’s trove of minerals may become more accessible as the climate crisis melts Arctic ice, a phenomenon which also makes northern shipping routes navigable for more time throughout the year, potentially reorienting trade and making the region even more important, despite Trump calling the climate crisis “the greatest con job.”

Trump has downplayed the significance of Greenland’s natural resources, telling reporters last month: “We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals.”

But his former national security adviser Mike Waltz suggested in January 2024 that Trump’s focus was on natural resources, telling Fox News that the administration’s focus on Greenland was “about critical minerals” and “natural resources.”

What does Venezuela have to do with it?

The day after US forces snatched Maduro from his home, Trump repeated that the US needs Greenland “from the standpoint of national security,” before White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller reiterated those claims on Monday, further sharpening the spotlight on the Arctic territory.

“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.”

Doubling down on Tuesday, the White House said it is “discussing a range of options” to acquire Greenland and that using the US military is not off the table.

What has Trump said before?

Trump inquired about the possibility of buying Greenland during his first term and, despite being told by the island that “Greenland is not for sale,” he revived those calls in December 2024, saying in a social media post: “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”

He claimed that the US needs Greenland for “economic security,” before Vice President JD Vance travelled to the island in March 2025 where he said it was “the policy of the United States” to see changes to the island’s Danish leadership, but acknowledged that Greenlanders should decide their future.

Polling in Greenland shows clear opposition to becoming part of the US, with 85 per cent of Greenlanders against American rule, Reuters reported.

What does this mean for NATO?

If the US uses military action to seize Greenland – something Trump has pointedly refused to rule out – it could fracture the NATO alliance.

Frederiksen said, “if the US chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of World War II.”

On Tuesday, leaders from major European powers expressed support for Denmark and Greenland, adding that Arctic security must be upheld collectively with NATO allies, including the US.

“Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,” leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark said in a joint statement.

“NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European Allies are stepping up.”

What do Greenlanders think?

Trump’s frequent posturing about Greenland strikes right at the heart of the territory’s politics, which has long been shaped by Denmark’s colonial legacy and a push for independence.

Greenland was incorporated into Denmark in 1953, as a tide of decolonisation swept the globe following World War II. In 1979 it was granted home rule; in 2009 it achieved self-government but its foreign, security, defence and monetary policy are all still controlled by Denmark.

During recent election campaigns, Greenland’s politicians have promised to take steps towards independence but have not offered a concrete timeline to do so. While not all Greenlanders want independence from Denmark, few want to trade Danish for US leadership.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called the US’s rhetoric “completely unacceptable.”

“When the President of the United States speaks of ‘needing Greenland’ and links us to Venezuela and military intervention, it is not just wrong. It is disrespectful,” he said in a statement.

“No more fantasies of annexation,” Nielsen added. “We are open to dialogue. We are open to discussions. But they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law … Greenland is our home and our territory. And it will remain so.”

According to Kuno Fencker, a member of parliament for the more pro-US Naleraq party, some of Trump’s comments have been “received quite well.”

“If he says Greenland has the right to self-determination or they could join the United States, it’s a big offer from the United States president,” Fencker told CNN.

“But if journalists are putting words in his mouth about annexing or taking Greenland military, that’s not been taken well,” he added.