By Jakob Gronholt Pedersen, Louise Rasmussen, and Stine Jacobsen

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – US President-elect Donald Trump said he wants to make Greenland part of the United States and does not rule out using military or economic force to force Denmark to hand it over.

Why does Trump want Greenland?

Greater control over Greenland may be beneficial to the United States because of its strategic location and resources. It lies along the shortest route from Europe to North America, a vital route for the US ballistic missile warning system.

The United States has expressed interest in expanding its military presence, including placing radars there to monitor the waters between the island, Iceland and Britain, which are a gateway for Russian naval ships and nuclear submarines.

The island, whose capital, Nuuk, is closer to New York than the Danish capital, Copenhagen, has minerals, oil, and wealth, but development has been slow.

A 2023 survey showed that 25 out of 34 minerals considered by the European Commission to be “important raw materials” were found in Greenland. They include materials used in batteries such as graphite and lithium, and so-called rare earth elements used in electric cars and wind turbines.

Greenland has banned the extraction of oil and natural gas for environmental reasons, and the development of its mining sector has been hampered by red tape and opposition from indigenous people.

This has kept Greenland’s economy dependent on fishing, which accounts for more than 95% of exports, and on annual subsidies from Denmark, which cover nearly half of the public budget. In total, Denmark spends just under $1 billion annually on Greenland, or $17,500 for each of its 57,000 residents.

What is the American presence in Greenland now?

The US military maintains a permanent presence at Pitovik Air Base in northwest Greenland.

A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark stipulated the right of the United States to build military bases in Greenland and move forces freely on its territory as long as Denmark and Greenland were notified.

Historically, Denmark has accommodated the US military in Greenland because Copenhagen does not have the capacity to defend the vast island itself, and because of US security guarantees to Denmark through NATO, said Kristian Soeby Christensen, a senior researcher at the Center for Military Affairs at the University of Copenhagen. studies.

What is the situation of Greenland now?

Denmark has been under the control of Greenland for centuries, formerly a colony and now a semi-sovereign territory of the Danish Kingdom. It is subject to the Danish Constitution, which means that any change in its legal status would require a constitutional amendment.

In 2009, the island was granted broad autonomy, including the right to declare independence from Denmark through a referendum.

Prime Minister Mut Egedi, who has intensified his push for independence, has repeatedly said that the island is not for sale and that it is up to its people to decide its future.

Decades ago, the United States under then-President Harry Truman sought to buy the island as a strategic Cold War asset for $100 million in gold, but Copenhagen refused to sell it.

Trump offered to buy it during his first term in 2019, but Greenland and Denmark rejected the proposal.

What does Greenland want?

Relations between Greenland and Denmark became strained after revelations of the historical mis-influx of Greenlanders under colonial rule. A majority of Greenlanders support independence, but are divided over the timing and potential impact on living standards.

Greenlandic politicians have repeatedly said since 2019 that they are interested in strengthening cooperation and trade with the United States.

However, Aja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament, said the idea of ​​a US takeover of the company should be firmly rejected. “I don’t want to be a pawn in Trump’s hot dreams of expanding his empire to include our country,” she wrote.

What if Greenland became independent?

If Greenland becomes independent, it may choose to connect with the United States in ways short of becoming an American territory.

Although Greenlanders want independence, they are fully aware of their economic dependence on Denmark. One option might be to form a so-called “free association” with the United States that would replace Danish support with American support and protection in exchange for military rights, similar to the situation of the Pacific nations of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.

“Greenland talks about independence from Denmark, but no Greenlander wants to become a new colonial master,” said Ulrik Bram Gadd, a senior researcher and expert on Greenlandic affairs. Vote for independence.

What does Denmark say?

Denmark strongly rejected Trump’s 2019 offer to buy the island, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calling it “ridiculous.” When asked about Trump’s renewed interest this week, Frederiksen said: “We need very close cooperation with the Americans.”

“On the other hand, I would encourage everyone to respect that Greenlanders are a people, that it is their country, and only Greenland can determine and determine the future of Greenland,” she added.