Washington, DC – A top aide to US President Donald Trump sparked a major political and diplomatic controversy after stating that Greenland “rightfully belongs to the United States.” He argued that US strategic and security interests give Washington a historical claim to the Arctic island.
The US official told American media outlets that Greenland is “a vital anchor for US national security.” He added that its geographic location and increasingly important natural resources, especially in light of climate change and melting ice, make it an indispensable factor in the calculations of major powers.
These statements come at a time of escalating competition in the Arctic between the United States, Russia, and China. This competition is taking place amidst a fierce race to control new sea routes, energy reserves, and rare minerals. There has been no immediate official response from the Danish government, which holds sovereignty over Greenland. However, diplomatic sources confirmed that Copenhagen categorically rejects any discussion that touches upon the island’s legal status. They also emphasized that Greenland’s future will be decided solely by its people.
It is worth noting that former US President Donald Trump sparked international outrage in 2019 when he floated the idea of purchasing Greenland. This proposal was met with strong opposition from Denmark and the island’s inhabitants. These new statements, however, have reopened the issue and threaten to create new political tensions in transatlantic relations.
