Trump Greenland Takeover Threats: A New Geopolitical Storm in the Arctic

Is the world's largest island for sale? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Danish officials next week to discuss the fate of Greenland. President Donald Trump has reignited international tension by asserting that the US needs to acquire the territory for national security reasons. As of January 10, 2026, the Arctic territory finds itself at the center of a high-stakes power struggle.

Why Trump Greenland Takeover Threats are Shaking the Arctic

Washington's interest isn't just about real estate; it's about survival in a new era of missile warfare. Greenland sits on the shortest flight path for Russian ballistic missiles targeting the US mainland. The Trump administration views the island as a crucial base for its proposed Golden Dome missile defense system. Additionally, the US aims to track Chinese and Russian vessels passing through the GIUK Gap—a strategic maritime gateway.

Beyond defense, Greenland is a treasure trove of untapped natural resources, including rare earth minerals essential for high-tech industries. While the US claims Denmark fails to secure the region, Copenhagen disputes this, pointing to the existing bilateral agreement from 1951 that already allows for US military presence.

Local Resistance and Economic Realities

In Nuuk, the sentiment is overwhelmingly defensive. Approximately 85% of the 57,000 inhabitants oppose a US takeover. Many fear the prospect of being taken by force, especially following recent US military interventions elsewhere. However, the island's dependence on Danish subsidies remains a hurdle for its long-term goal of independence. Some opposition figures argue that while Greenland isn't for sale, it should be "open for business" with the US to break away from its colonial-era ties with Denmark.