As Trump continues to express his want for Greenland, here's a look at who owns the island and why Donald Trump wants the US to control it.
Ahead of his inauguration on January 20, 2025, US President-elect Donald Trump has stated he wants to buy Greenland. Trump, who has made several statements about "expanding" the United States added that he would not rule out the use of economic or military force to make the purchase.
As Trump and his controversial cabinet continue to express their want for Greenland, here's a look at who owns the island and why Donald Trump wants the US to control it.
Let's start with the basics - Greenland is the world's biggest island and has been part of Denmark for the past 600 years. While the island is considered to be a part of the North American continent, geopolitically, it has been considered as a part of Europe.
Greenland lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans and east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Greenland is also the location of the northernmost point of land in the world—Kaffeklubben Island, also known as Coffee Club Island.
With its population of 57,000 people, Greenland is the larger of the two autonomous territories under the Kingdom of Denmark.
While Greenland and its citizens are officially citizens of Denmark, the island has its own government with Mute Egede as the prime minister.
In recent years, Greenland has witnessed a rising independence movement with PM Egede expressing the desire to break away from Denmark.
Following Trump's statement to purchase Greenland, his son - Donald Trump Jr made a visit to the island. Trump has also threatened Denmark of "Very high tariffs" if they did not facilitate the transfer of the island, echoing his threats to Canada, Mexico and India.
Trump first suggested the US' purchase of Greenland in 2019. Taking to Truth Social recently, Trump revived his desire and stated that the island will "benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!"
As per Trump, its important for the US to have control of Greenland for "National security and freedom". In 2019, the president-elect said that purchase would be "interesting and the largest real estate deal".
Greenland is also home to US' Pituffik Space Base and due to climate change and melting ice in the Arctic Circle, new shipping lanes have opened up, which have piqued the interest of China and Russia - US' main two rivals.
The island nation also offers the shortest route from North America to Europe, giving the US an upper hand for its military and ballistic missile early-warning system.
Apart from this, the island is rich in minerals, including the rare earth minerals used in the manufacture of batteries and more.