President Donald Trump has again expressed interest in the Danish territory of Greenland, renewing his push for US control of the island. At a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump stated that Greenland should be controlled by the United States, not Denmark.
Why Greenland Matters
Greenland is strategically located between the US and its allies and adversaries, making it a crucial location for national security. The island is also rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, diamonds, lithium, gold, and zinc.
The US has a history of interest in Greenland, with the US government discussing or attempting to take control of the island at least four times since 1867. A 2025 poll found that 85% of Greenlandic people oppose joining the US, while a slight majority are in favor of becoming an independent nation.
Greenland’s Geography and Economy
Greenland is the world’s largest island, with a population of 57,000 people, mostly living on the west side of the country. The island is covered in ice, with a lack of mines, but scientists believe there are vast natural resources to be found underground.
The US has a military presence in Greenland, with the Pituffik Space Base being the only remaining US military base on the island. The base has been under American military control since the 1950s and has been operated by the US Space Force since 2020.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
