President Donald Trump has recently renewed his controversial claims regarding Greenland, asserting that the United States should take control of the island to safeguard American interests. This position has been met with strong opposition from officials in Greenland and NATO allies. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump described the acquisition of Greenland as “a core national security interest of the United States,” reiterating his desire to obtain the self-governing territory from Denmark.
During a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg later that day, Trump appeared to soften his stance, stating that he and Stoltenberg had established “the framework of a future deal” concerning Greenland, although he did not reveal any specifics about this arrangement. As he seeks to justify his ambitions, Trump has made several claims that have raised eyebrows among experts and officials alike.
Denmark’s Sovereignty Over Greenland Questioned
One of Trump’s more contentious assertions is that Denmark possesses no legal right to Greenland. In a text exchange with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on January 19, 2023, Trump argued, “Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway?” He claimed there are “no written documents” establishing Denmark’s sovereignty over the island.
This assertion is incorrect. Denmark’s claim to Greenland is backed by several documented agreements and international rulings, including a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of State in 1916 that expressly acknowledged Danish control over the territory. Furthermore, an international court confirmed Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland in 1933. According to Marc Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, “Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland has been internationally recognized, including by the U.S.”
Unfounded Claims About Military Presence
Trump has also exaggerated threats posed by Russia and China, stating during a press gaggle on January 4 that “Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.” He later amplified this claim at a press conference on January 9, asserting that Russian destroyers and submarines were prevalent near Greenland.
Contrary to Trump’s statements, there is no evidence to support the existence of a large number of Russian or Chinese vessels operating in the vicinity of Greenland. Greenland’s Minister of Business Naaja Nathanielsen remarked she was “not aware” of any such naval presence. Public ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic indicates that most maritime traffic near Greenland consists of fishing boats, with no significant Russian or Chinese naval activity detected.
Experts have pointed out that Russian naval operations are primarily concentrated near Norway, while China’s engagement in the Arctic has focused more on trade with Russia and exercises near Alaska. Romain Chuffart, managing director of The Arctic Institute, stated, “The claim by President Trump of Russian and Chinese ships all over the place does not hold.”
Misrepresentation of Denmark’s Defense Capabilities
In a statement on January 11, Trump referred to Denmark’s defense strategy in Greenland as consisting of “two dog sleds.” This comment, whether made in jest or not, misrepresents the actual military presence. While the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol does operate in remote areas using sled dogs, this is only one facet of Denmark’s military capabilities in Greenland.
In reality, Denmark maintains a military base in Nuuk with around 150 personnel, along with Arctic patrol vessels and surveillance aircraft. The Danish government has also committed approximately $6.5 billion to enhance its military capabilities in Greenland over the next decade. The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol is utilized because it is an effective mode of transportation in the region’s harsh conditions.
The United States already operates an air base in Greenland and has the potential to expand its military presence under a 1951 agreement with Denmark. Danish officials have expressed their openness to increased U.S. cooperation on security matters but have firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale.
Joanne Stocker contributed to this report.
