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In the best Donald Trump style, he goes hard at it. Like the imperialist he is, he constantly threatens to use military force to make Greenland part of the USA. The frequent visits from top US officials are causing unrest in Greenland and Denmark. Trump claims it is important for the US and the security of the entire world that the island becomes American. This is nothing more than a vicarious motive. The main motive is to get hold of Greenland’s resources, in the best imperialist style.

Military power against an ally

The threat of the use of military force is reprehensible. Greenland is part of Denmark, with a high degree of autonomy. Greenland is an island consisting mainly of Inuit. This is the indigenous population of the world’s largest island. The island has around 56,000 inhabitants. They live in the ice-free areas along the coast, especially around the capital Nuuk.

Military power to gain Greenland is reprehensible. It is the people themselves who must decide what affiliation they should have and what form of government they should have. The recent election sent a clear message. Greenlanders want full independence in the long term. It is understood that the steps towards full independence take time. In the meantime, there is no question of trading away their relationship with Denmark.

What happens if Trump takes a hard line?

The question is what happens if Donald Trump chooses a hard line to get his way. What if he actually seizes power in Greenland through military action? Trump says he will try to use other means. He has tried to buy Greenland, which is completely distasteful, of course.

Denmark and Greenland are members of NATO. The same defense alliance as the US. Trump’s USA also has a military base on the island. Trump’s argument about the US and the world’s security is therefore nonsense. Through its base, the US can ensure good protection against hostile activity in the Arctic. But the fact is that it is Greenland’s wealth of minerals, probably also oil and gas, that is of interest.

Military force against Greenland and Denmark would trigger Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which states that an attack on one NATO country is considered an attack on all. The problem is that Article 5 does not take into account that one NATO country can attack another.

It is important for NATO countries to stand up to Trump. Military power over Greenland is unheard of.

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2025/03/30/nx-s1-5344942/trump-military-force-not-off-the-table-for-greenland

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74x4m71pmjo

https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-834785773189f2f12ec6b09f8c5a9321