President Donald Trump has recently intensified his rhetoric regarding Greenland, asserting that the United States should acquire the self-governing territory from Denmark. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, he described the acquisition as “a core national security interest of the United States of America.” This perspective has been met with skepticism and outright rejection from officials in Greenland and NATO allies.
After his statements in Davos, Trump adjusted his tone following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, indicating that he and Stoltenberg had reached “the framework of a future deal” concerning Greenland. Despite this assertion, Trump did not elaborate on the nature of the deal, leaving many questions unanswered.
As Trump seeks to justify his position, he has made several claims that have drawn scrutiny. Notably, he contends that Denmark lacks a legal claim to Greenland. In a text exchange with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on January 19, Trump asserted, “Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China,” suggesting a lack of legitimate ownership due to the absence of “written documents.” This assertion has been categorically dismissed by experts.
Debunking Trump’s Claims on Sovereignty
Contrary to Trump’s statements, Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland is well-established. There are numerous written agreements and court rulings that affirm this claim. Notably, a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of State in 1916 explicitly recognized Danish control over the island. Additionally, an international court ruled in 1933 that Denmark held valid sovereignty over Greenland. Marc Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, emphasized that Denmark’s claim has been internationally recognized, including by the United States.
Trump has also claimed that Greenland is surrounded by Russian and Chinese naval vessels. During a press gaggle on January 4, he stated, “Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.” This assertion has been met with skepticism, as there is no evidence supporting the claim of a significant naval presence in the vicinity of Greenland.
Greenland’s Minister of Business, Naaja Nathanielsen, remarked that she was “not aware” of any Russian or Chinese ships near the island. Public ship-tracking data indicates that most vessels in the area are fishing boats, with no indication of the large-scale military presence Trump described. Experts, including Romain Chuffart from The Arctic Institute, have corroborated that Trump’s claims lack substantiation.
Military Presence and Defense Misconceptions
In a separate statement on January 11, Trump remarked humorously, “Greenland basically, their defense is two dog sleds.” While this comment may have been intended as a jest, it inaccurately reduces Denmark’s military presence in Greenland. The Danish military maintains a comprehensive defense strategy that includes Arctic patrol vessels, surveillance aircraft, and a military base in Nuuk with approximately 150 personnel.
Denmark has committed around $6.5 billion to enhance its military capabilities in Greenland over the next decade. The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, which Trump referenced, is a small but specialized unit that operates in remote areas using sled dogs due to the challenging terrain. This is only one aspect of Denmark’s broader defense strategy in the region.
The United States already has a military air base in Greenland and has the potential to expand its presence under a 1951 agreement with Denmark. While Danish officials have expressed a willingness to collaborate on security matters, they have consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale.
As discussions about Greenland continue, it remains clear that the claims made by President Trump require careful examination and verification. The geopolitical implications of Greenland’s status are significant, but the foundation of those discussions must be rooted in accurate information and mutual respect among nations.
