Trump's Team Races Toward Greenland Takeover: Arctic Power, Trillions in Minerals at Stake. | The GPM

President Donald Trump has reignited his long standing ambition to acquire Greenland, directing his national security team to develop concrete plans for U.S. control over the strategic Arctic territory. Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed lawmakers on January 6, 2026, confirming Trump prefers purchasing the vast island rather than military action, though White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized all options remain on the table including potential use of U.S. forces.

This renewed push follows Trump's first term attempt in 2019 when Denmark firmly rejected the overture, declaring Greenland not for sale. Now in his second term, Trump frames the acquisition as essential national security, citing Russian and Chinese vessels operating near the island and its vast reserves of rare earth minerals critical for technology and defense industries.

The administration moves quickly with Rubio scheduled to meet Danish officials next week to discuss terms. Trump real estate instincts drive the approach, viewing Greenland through a property lens much like his New York developments. Senior advisor Stephen Miller and diplomat Steve Witkoff, both sharing Trump's deal making background, champion the effort. National Security Strategy documents highlight Arctic dominance as priority, linking Greenland to broader Western Hemisphere control amid ongoing Venezuela operations where U.S. forces recently captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Trump aides explore multiple paths including outright purchase, Compact of Free Association similar to Pacific territories, or other arrangements securing U.S. basing rights and resource access.

Strategic stakes prove enormous. Greenland spans 836,000 square miles with only 57,000 residents mostly Inuit, controlling key Arctic sea lanes opening due to melting ice. Russian naval presence and Chinese mining investments threaten U.S. interests as climate change transforms the region into contested frontier. The island holds estimated 25 percent of global rare earth elements vital for electric vehicles, wind turbines, semiconductors, and military hardware. Current Chinese dominance in mineral supply chains creates vulnerability Trump seeks to eliminate through American ownership.

Thule Air Base already provides missile warning and space surveillance, but full control would expand U.S. footprint countering adversaries.Denmark faces impossible position as NATO ally hosting U.S. bases yet defending sovereign territory. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warns military threats end alliance cooperation, stating on Danish television that U.S. attack halts NATO security guarantees established since World War II. Greenland leaders dismiss takeover as fantasy, asserting self determination rights under Danish realm status. Public opinion runs strongly against sale with polls showing 85 percent opposition. European partners voice alarm over Trump's territorial ambitions, fearing Venezuela success emboldens further adventures.

Domestic U.S. reaction splits predictably. Republicans rally behind Trump prioritizing security and economic independence. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirms focus stays diplomatic without military discussions heard. Democrats criticize reviving colonial era proposals, comparing to past failed American offers dating back to 1867 under President Andrew Johnson. Critics argue purchase undermines alliances while supporters counter adversaries already militarize Arctic unchecked.

Economic calculus proves compelling yet contentious. Greenland GDP sits at 3 billion USD annually mostly fishing subsidies from Denmark. Trump team reportedly considers offer exceeding 100 billion USD dwarfing economy, sweetened by infrastructure investment and autonomy guarantees. Mineral wealth potential reaches trillions long term as extraction technology advances. However legal hurdles abound since Greenland holds referendum rights on constitutional changes under Danish law. International reaction would scrutinize deal violating UN decolonization principles.

Military dimensions loom largest. Full U.S. control stations forces overlooking Russia northern fleet routes and Chinese polar silk road ambitions. Arctic shipping lanes shorten Asia Europe trade by 40 percent carrying 13 percent global LNG traffic by 2030. Losing strategic ground weakens deterrence as adversaries build icebreakers and bases. Trump argues Greenland needed for freedom worldwide echoing first term rhetoric.

Global repercussions ripple wide. NATO cohesion frays if Denmark perceives abandonment. China accelerates Arctic foothold through investments if U.S. distracts Denmark. Russia exploits divisions amplifying propaganda about American imperialism. Canada watches warily after Trump mused purchasing it last year. Pacific territories like Palau Marshall Islands offer models where U.S. security guarantees exchange defense pacts.

Greenland residents voice strongest resistance. Indigenous leaders prioritize environment over mining boom, fearing cultural erosion from American influx. Recent elections favored independence leaning parties rejecting foreign ownership. Youth activism grows linking climate justice to sovereignty. Danish parliament debates emergency measures reinforcing control if talks advance.

Trump team races internal deadlines with Venezuela momentum providing leverage. Success hinges balancing bold offer against alliance preservation. Failure revives ridicule from 2019 golf course mockery. Stakes encompass security economics geopolitics defining Arctic century power balance. As Rubio prepares Denmark talks, world watches whether real estate deal making translates to international statecraft or collapses against sovereignty realities.