Trump’s Arctic Dreams: Greenland, Canada, and the 51st State

Donald Trump has once again hinted at his interest in expanding U.S. territory by annexing Greenland—potentially through military force. In a recent interview, he stated he wouldn’t rule out any option when it comes to acquiring the resource-rich island.

He reiterated that the United States has strategic and security interests in Greenland. Trump described the island’s small population as manageable and said the U.S. would “cherish” them if Greenland were to join the country.

Although Trump conceded such a scenario is unlikely, he made it clear that the possibility “certainly” exists. Despite outright rejections from Denmark and Greenland, Trump has continued to entertain the idea of a takeover.

Experts believe Trump’s motives are partly economic. Greenland holds an abundance of natural resources, including rare earth elements, oil, and gas—materials vital to modern technology and energy sectors.

With Arctic ice receding, access to these resources may soon be easier than ever, heightening the island’s global value. Its strategic maritime location also makes it appealing for defense purposes.

Greenland has firmly resisted Trump’s proposals. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen declared in March that the island’s future is not for the United States—or any other nation—to decide. “We do not belong to anyone else,” he stated.

Trump has made similar remarks about Canada, suggesting it could become the 51st U.S. state. Although he recently called such an action “unlikely,” he left open the possibility of revisiting the topic with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during his visit to Washington.