Name: Three key reasons why Trump wants Greenland
Uploaded: 2026-01-07T15:12:43.145Z
Duration: 1 min 4 s
Description: President Donald Trump has been fixated on making Greenland part of the United States. CNBC’s Sam Meredith breaks down three key reasons why this vast and sparsely populated, self-governing Danish territory has been on Trump’s radar since his first term as president.

President Donald Trump has been fixated on making Greenland part of the United States. CNBC’s Sam Meredith breaks down three key reasons why this vast and sparsely populated, self-governing Danish territory has been on Trump’s radar since his first term as president.

President Donald Trump has identified three main reasons for his interest in acquiring Greenland: national security, strategic location, and access to valuable mineral resources. Greenland's position between Russia and the United States, as well as its proximity to emerging Arctic shipping routes, are considered significant strategic advantages.

Additionally, Greenland is known for its vast mineral reserves, which are important for modern technologies such as electric vehicles and smartphones. Despite Trump's interest, European leaders have voiced strong support for Denmark and Greenland, rejecting the idea of U.S. acquisition.

Three key reasons why Trump wants Greenland

We need Greenland. President Donald Trump is fixated on making Greenland a part of the United States, and there are three key reasons why. Trump says his interest in the huge and sparsely populated Danish territory is essential for national security. The White House has even raised the prospect of military action. But there are some other reasons why Greenland finds itself in the US's sights. First, location, location, location. Greenland sits between Russia and the US, separating the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. Second, shipping routes. The largely frozen island is close to new shipping routes as the climate crisis melts Arctic ice, creating opportunities to upend global trade. And third, despite Trump's recent dismissal of this being a primary driver, minerals. Greenland is widely known for its wide range of raw materials, which play an integral role in things like EVs, smartphones and loads of other tech products. Despite Trump's posturing, European leaders have been unequivocal in their support of both Denmark and Greenland.

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