Media said Trump's plan to buy Greenland to send a "strong signal" to Beijing

US President-elect Donald Trump wants to establish control over Greenland to send a "strong signal" to Beijing. The New York Post reported on January 8, citing a source.

"Why is [Trump seeking to acquire Greenland]? Several important reasons. To send Beijing a strong, considered message. Not just talk. Action," the source shared with the newspaper.

Alex Plitsas, a freelancer at the Atlantic Council (recognized as an undesirable organization in Russia), shared with the publication that there are two reasons for Greenland's annexation: the first is the presence of large deposits of rare earth elements on the island, necessary for "critical defense and electronics production."

The second reason, however, is Greenland's legal rights to a large area in the Arctic. This would help ensure the United States a stronger position in the face of increased competition for shipping and resources.

Why Trump needs control over Greenland. Parsing

The day before, Aja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish Greenland Parliament, said that Greenland is not for sale and will not be sold. At the same time, he noted that Denmark can work more closely with the United States in business development.

On the same day, Donald Trump - Jr, Trump's son, flew to Greenland for a personal visit. He commented on his upcoming trip in a podcast the day before, on January 6, noting that the visit was planned when his father spoke again about buying the island.

On December 22, 2024, Trump, announcing the appointment of an ambassador to Denmark, emphasized that for the U.S. "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity." The American politician expressed interest in buying Greenland from Denmark back in 2019. At that time, he was turned down.

Members of the Danish Parliament on December 24 condemned the return of the American president-elect to the topic of buying the island, called his statement unacceptable and characterized these words as a "cynical superpower policy".

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said on December 25 that the country had prepared a new defense package to protect Greenland, with at least $1.5 billion earmarked.

Later, on January 6, King Frederik X of Denmark changed the state's coat of arms to make Greenland and the Faroe Islands more prominent. The Guardian noted that this could be seen as a rebuke to Trump.