Trump Says Greenland Needed for Security, Not Resources

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Greenland is necessary for the United States due to national security concerns, not for its natural resources. His remarks come amid renewed tensions with Denmark following the appointment of a special envoy to the Arctic island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

According to a report by AFP, since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance. He has also refused to rule out the use of force in relation to the issue.

On Sunday, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy for Greenland, a move that angered Denmark and prompted Copenhagen to summon the U.S. ambassador.

Speaking at a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday, Trump said, “Greenland is needed for our national security, not for its mineral resources.”

He claimed that the presence of Russian and Chinese vessels has increased in waters surrounding the island.

Trump further stated that Greenland is strategically vital for the United States and that his administration remains firm in its position on the matter.

Meanwhile, leaders in Denmark and Greenland have consistently stressed that Greenland is not for sale and that the island’s future will be decided by its own people. A recent survey showed that while a majority of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark, they are not interested in becoming part of the United States.

It is worth noting that the United States already operates a military base in Greenland, and the island is rich in rare mineral resources. Denmark has also announced plans for significant investment to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic region.