US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his desire to purchase Greenland. While making his first address to the US Congress as President, Trump painted a picture of prosperity for the "incredible people of Greenland".
"We will keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before," Trump said.
"It's a very small population, a very, very large piece of land, and very, very important for military security," he said, adding that the US "needed" Greenland for international world security."
However, Trump's statement was once again refuted by Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egde, who stated that the world's largest island is "not for sale."
As Trump continues to push to buy Greenland, here's a look at as to who owns the island and why the US President wants it.
Trump And Greenland
Where Is Greenland?
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 geographically, geopolitically, it has been considered 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.
Who Owns Greenland?
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.
Why Does Trump Want Greenland?
After Trump assumed office as the President, 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 recent actions against 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.
