The idea of purchasing Greenland is not merely a joke, but rather a matter of national interest for the United States, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He has even suggested that if the attempt to acquire Greenland fails, the possibility of using force cannot be ruled out.
This statement comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, as Arctic territories become increasingly valuable due to climate change and the opening of new trade routes. The U.S. government has long viewed Greenland as a strategically significant location, given its proximity to both North America and Europe, and its potential for military installations and resource extraction.
On Thursday (January 30), in an interview on American journalist Megyn Kelly’s television show, Rubio stated, “The President of the United States wants to buy Greenland, and if his efforts fail, he may consider taking the island by force.”
He further added, “This is not just about acquiring land; it is directly linked to our national security. In the coming years, the Arctic Ocean will become a crucial trade route. China will attempt to dominate the region, which poses a threat to us. Therefore, we must address this issue.”
Seizing Greenland Within Four Years?
During the interview, Rubio was asked whether the Trump administration could acquire Greenland by 2028. He responded, “The President would be in the best position to answer that. However, one thing is certain—four years from now, our stance will be stronger and more organized.”
Political analysts suggest that the U.S. has been steadily increasing its presence in the Arctic, with military expansions and diplomatic maneuvers aimed at countering Chinese and Russian influence. If diplomatic negotiations to purchase Greenland fail, experts fear that economic sanctions, military posturing, or even direct intervention could be considered as alternative measures.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Responds Firmly
Rubio’s comments triggered a strong reaction from Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede. He firmly stated, “Greenland is not for sale. If anyone attempts to take our territory by force, our people will resist.”
Although Greenland is an autonomous territory under Denmark, it maintains control over its internal affairs. Despite its vast size, Greenland has a small population of just 56,583, with nearly 90% belonging to the Inuit ethnic group. The island is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas, making it a highly desirable asset in the global market.
The Danish government also expressed strong opposition to any U.S. attempts to acquire Greenland, stating that such a move would violate international laws and agreements. The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, reiterated that Greenland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable and any aggression would be met with international diplomatic resistance.
Earlier, on December 25, former President Donald Trump publicly expressed his views on his social media platform, ‘Truth Social.’ He wrote, “For the security and freedom of the world, the United States believes that ownership and control of Greenland must now be in our hands.”
However, within 24 hours of Trump’s statement, Greenland’s Prime Minister outright rejected the idea. He responded via social media, stating, “Greenland is ours. It is not for sale and never will be. We have fought for our independence for a long time, and we will not let that struggle be in vain.”
Rising Global Tensions
The Trump administration’s stance on Greenland has stirred global controversy. Experts warn that if the U.S. seriously considers using force to acquire Greenland, it could trigger international conflict. NATO allies, including Canada and European nations, have voiced concerns over escalating tensions in the Arctic. The United Nations has also urged peaceful diplomatic discussions rather than any form of coercion.
Geopolitical observers believe that this issue could become a major flashpoint in international relations, particularly as the Arctic gains strategic importance in global politics. The balance of power in the region is already fragile, with Russia strengthening its military presence and China increasing its economic investments. Any unilateral move by the United States could result in a broader conflict, further destabilizing global peace efforts.
Source: Reuters
