What does Trump want from Greenland?
Jan. 20th, 2026 03:45 pmLet's keep this simple.
First thing he wants: To secure the Arctic against Russian encroachment.
What is the sane way to get it: Work with Europe and Denmark on cooperation, strengthen NATO presence, and invest jointly in security and infrastructure in Greenland.
Knowing this is Trump, what is likelier to happen: He damages relations with Europe, bullies allies, and treats Greenland like a real estate deal. Even if US leverage in the Arctic increases short term, the long term damage to trust and alliances helps Russia more than it hurts it.
Next thing he wants...
First thing he wants: To secure the Arctic against Russian encroachment.
What is the sane way to get it: Work with Europe and Denmark on cooperation, strengthen NATO presence, and invest jointly in security and infrastructure in Greenland.
Knowing this is Trump, what is likelier to happen: He damages relations with Europe, bullies allies, and treats Greenland like a real estate deal. Even if US leverage in the Arctic increases short term, the long term damage to trust and alliances helps Russia more than it hurts it.
Next thing he wants...