From slides to strategic ambitions: Why Greenland is at the heart of Trump's Arctic rivalry

When Donald Trump mocked the role of Danish sleds in protecting Greenland, it was not just a passing comment; it encapsulated an entire philosophy about strategic security and American interests. This ridicule of sleds has become a symbol of the vast gap between Washington’s view of the importance of the island and what Denmark actually offers. The scene reveals a deeper truth: Greenland is not just a remote island, but a covert geopolitical battleground in the great power struggle for control and influence.

The Strategic Geographical Location of Greenland and Its Control of Arctic Passages

Greenland is situated at a unique geopolitical crossroads connecting North America and Europe, making it a real control point over vital air and sea routes in the far north Atlantic. This strategic location becomes increasingly important each year due to ice melt and climate change, transforming the Arctic from an icy margin into an open arena for economic and military activity.

Controlling Greenland means not only owning vast sparsely populated lands but also managing a geopolitical gateway that enables monitoring and surveillance of military and economic movements across entire continents. Any superpower seeking dominance in the polar region must make Greenland a strategic focal point.

The Competition Between Major Powers: China and Russia Against American Hegemony

Trump’s insistence on Greenland cannot be understood without considering the rise of two regional powers in the Arctic. China has officially declared itself a “polar state,” investing heavily in ports, infrastructure, and research projects as part of a long-term strategy to secure alternative trade routes and strategic resources. Russia, on the other hand, has the strongest and most profound military presence in the Arctic, viewing it as a direct extension of its national and strategic security.

In this competitive context, the Trump administration saw leaving Greenland outside its direct influence as a potential strategic breach point for its opponents. This analysis reflects a realistic reading of ongoing geopolitical developments.

Hidden Natural Resources Beneath the Ice

Greenland harbors enormous natural resources that have remained largely untapped for decades. Rare minerals vital for advanced technology industries, massive oil and gas reserves, and vast quantities of fresh, clean water—all stored beneath the ice layers. As global ice melt continues, these resources become more accessible for extraction and investment, transforming the island from a potential economic burden into a long-term strategic treasure of inestimable value.

Countries controlling these resources will hold a powerful card in the coming decades, especially as global demand for these vital materials grows.

Thule Base and U.S. National Security

The United States already has a military presence in Greenland through the famous Thule Base, which is a pivotal element in the U.S. early warning and missile defense system. From a purely strategic perspective, Trump found this current situation illogical: why should Washington bear the burden of defense and protection while lacking ultimate sovereign decision-making power? Military influence without political influence remains an incomplete and strategically vulnerable form of power.

This conclusion reflects a pragmatic view of U.S. national security and the future of American dominance in the region.

The Deal Mindset: Trump’s Logic in International Politics

To understand Trump’s insistence on the Greenland idea, one must grasp the reasoning that governs his worldview: international politics is a series of deals. Why should the United States pay a high price for defense and protection when it can directly acquire the same strategic asset?

This logic is not new in American history. The U.S. previously purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 and acquired Louisiana from France in 1803. Those deals were considered crazy and foolish at the time, but later proved to be among the greatest strategic moves in American history. Does Trump believe Greenland is the next big deal?

Ridicule of Sleds and the Decisive Danish Rejection

The idea faced clear legal and political rejection. Greenland enjoys comprehensive self-governance and is officially under Danish sovereignty; it is not a commodity to be bargained or sold. When Trump mockingly criticized Denmark’s defensive role, he sarcastically said: “Do you know what Denmark did to enhance security there? They send dog sleds! Extra sleds! They thought it was a very great step.”

He was referring to the famous Danish Sirius patrol, which patrols the ice with sleds for military surveillance. From Trump’s perspective, this symbolic defense “by sleds” cannot withstand the military and economic ambitions of Russia and China. In his view, a real solution requires full acquisition, not just transient alliances.

Danish Prime Minister responded firmly and decisively, declaring: “Greenland is not for sale,” closing the door definitively to any discussion on the matter.

Turmoil Within NATO and Global Implications

The repercussions did not stop at Copenhagen but extended to destabilize NATO itself. European allies considered the threat to annex a member’s territory a existential threat to the entire international order and international law. European leaders warned that this approach opens a dangerous door for other powers to justify similar military moves under the guise of national security.

The resulting tensions reflect a deeper crisis: the divide between the American vision of security and strategic interests, and NATO’s commitment to international law and mutual respect among member states.

Conclusion: Greenland and the Future of the Arctic

The importance of the Arctic lies in its becoming a real battleground among major powers in the coming decades. Greenland is not just a geographical island but a symbol of the geopolitical choke point between Americans and their strategic rivals. Whether the original idea is serious or part of a negotiation strategy, American interest in Greenland reflects an undeniable truth: the future of the international system will be partly shaped in the snow, sleds, and rare metals of the Arctic. Trump may not succeed in convincing Denmark, but the real battle over Greenland has yet to begin.