In a significant announcement, President-elect Trump expressed his desire for Greenland to come under U.S. control. This statement coincided with his selection of PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as the nominee for United States ambassador to Denmark, revealed on Sunday.
In a comprehensive overview: During his first administration, Trump expressed interest in the possibility of the U.S. purchasing Greenland. This announcement led to the cancellation of a state trip to Denmark after Danish officials clarified that the autonomous territory, which is part of their kingdom, was not available for sale.
In recent statements regarding Greenland, he reiterated his earlier demands made over the weekend, calling on Panamanian authorities to reduce fees for U.S. ships transiting the Panama Canal or to consider returning control of the canal to the United States.
In a recent statement, former President Trump emphasized the importance of Greenland’s ownership and control for national security and global freedom. He made these remarks in a post on Truth Social, asserting that it is an absolute necessity for the United States of America.
“Ken is expected to excel in advocating for the interests of the United States.”
As of this evening, representatives for both former President Trump and Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have yet to respond to requests for comment from Axios.
In a historical overview, the United States has explored the possibility of purchasing Greenland, the largest island not classified as a continent, on multiple occasions since 1867.
Greenland, while geographically situated in North America, maintains significant geopolitical connections to Europe. The territory has benefited from EU funding, classified as an overseas territory linked to the European Union through Denmark.
In a significant development, the territory is strategically positioned with access to the Arctic, a region currently witnessing a competitive scramble among nations for valuable resources. Research indicates that this area is already experiencing the effects of climate change.
In recent years, Russia has made efforts to assert its claim over territory extending to Greenland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Greenland is home to a wealth of natural resources, including gold, silver, copper, and uranium. Experts suggest that there is considerable potential for oil in the waters surrounding the territory.
