Why Greenland matters to the US

Greenland is a strategically important island for the US, a fact underscored by the presence of a US military base, a radar station, and a missile warning system. 

This region holds enormous significance for the US, as the shortest route between America and Russia passes through the North Pole, making it vital for rapid response to threats such as intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Natural resources

Furthermore, Greenland is rich in valuable natural resources. The island is abundant in rare earth metals, which are essential for the development of modern microelectronics. Due to global warming, the extraction of these metals is becoming more accessible. 

Greenland also possesses significant reserves of clean drinking water, making it even more attractive to countries interested in these resources, particularly China. This raises concerns in the US, which seeks to control the island, but for this to happen, Greenland must become independent from Denmark.

Maritime routes

Another factor drawing attention is the maritime routes and the shelf located in the northern waters, which open up opportunities for resource extraction. Donald Trump Jr’s recent visit to Greenland can be seen as a signal of the seriousness of US intentions regarding this region.

Trump had already expressed interest in Greenland during his first presidential term, but the topic did not gain traction at the time. Now, given changes in US foreign policy, Greenland could become one of the key priorities for the Trump administration, with the main focus directed at the interaction between the Panama Canal and Greenland.

How do Greenlanders feel about this? 

Local residents are clearly dissatisfied with Danish policy, believing that Copenhagen does not care enough for the island. There is an opinion that closer ties with America could bring more benefit, and a number of residents are ready to consider the possibility of Greenland joining the US. However, it is worth noting that in Denmark itself, it is believed that Greenland may become independent, but inclusion in the US is unlikely.

In the future, Greenland may become an independent state, and then, possibly, even the 51st US state, or follow the path of Puerto Rico, becoming a free state within the country.