Is Greenland the next flashpoint in transatlantic relations? Why Denmark fears a U.S. “economic invasion”

A quiet but growing crisis is brewing in the Arctic. Senior Danish officials are voicing deep concern over renewed American interest in Greenland — an icy frontier that has unexpectedly become a geopolitical fault line between Europe and the United States. While former U.S. President Donald Trump once openly floated the idea of buying Greenland, new reports suggest that his fascination with the island is far from over, raising alarm in Copenhagen and beyond.

Behind Washington’s Arctic Ambition

At first glance, the idea of the U.S. “acquiring” Greenland may sound like a throwback to 19th-century territorial expansion. Yet for Trump and his allies, the world’s largest island represents untapped strategic and economic potential. Greenland sits atop vast reserves of rare earth minerals and occupies a key position in Arctic defense networks — a region growing more valuable as climate change reshapes global shipping routes.

For Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s defense and foreign affairs, this revived American interest is no laughing matter. Danish officials see it as both irrational and genuine — irrational because NATO already guarantees Arctic security, and genuine because Trump’s territorial ambitions appear rooted in the symbolic desire to redraw the world map in America’s favor.

Copenhagen on High Alert

Despite the absence of direct confrontation, Danish intelligence services are increasingly wary of what they call a potential “financial invasion.” Instead of soldiers, officials fear waves of dollars — investments, grants, and offers targeting Greenland’s 56,000 residents — could slowly erode Denmark’s influence over the autonomous island.

This concern intensified after reports surfaced in The Wall Street Journal that U.S. intelligence agencies were allegedly identifying “sympathetic” Greenlanders who might align with American strategic goals. Adding to the tension, Denmark summoned a senior U.S. diplomat last August to address claims that American operatives with ties to Trump’s circle had conducted covert activities in Greenland — purportedly to stir discontent toward Copenhagen.

Europe’s Reluctant Response

While France has been quick to support Denmark’s stance — President Emmanuel Macron notably declared that “Greenland is not for sale or for taking” during a visit to Nuuk — other European powers have treaded carefully. With ongoing negotiations around trade and security guarantees for Ukraine, few in Brussels want to provoke Washington.

This cautious diplomacy frustrates Danish officials, who argue that the implications go far beyond Greenland itself. If the U.S. can challenge the sovereignty of a close European ally, they warn, the precedent could destabilize international norms on territorial integrity. Copenhagen is now lobbying Berlin and the European Union for a formal commitment to safeguard Greenland’s autonomy through economic partnerships and sustainable Arctic development.

A Question of Sovereignty and Identity

For Greenlanders — 89% of whom are Inuit — the issue extends beyond geopolitics. Many fear that aggressive American investment could undermine indigenous culture and environmental stability. A recent poll found that 85% of Greenlanders oppose U.S. governance, preferring to retain their Danish nationality while preserving local self-rule.

Trump’s dismissive response earlier this year — “I’m sure Denmark will come along” — only reinforced fears that Washington under his influence views Greenland less as a community and more as a commodity.

The Arctic’s Silent Storm

The Greenland question reflects a larger struggle over power, sovereignty, and the future of the Arctic. Denmark recently unveiled a $4.2 billion defense investment plan focused on Arctic security, reaffirming its commitment to NATO and European defense. Yet, as Russia’s war in Ukraine stretches Western resources, officials fear that Greenland could become the next testing ground for global influence.

For now, the ice remains still. But as one senior Danish diplomat reportedly remarked, “the calm in the Arctic is deceptive — beneath it, the pressure is building.”

FAQ

1. Why is the U.S. interested in Greenland?
Greenland offers vast mineral wealth, strategic military positioning, and growing geopolitical value due to Arctic shipping routes.

2. Did Trump really try to buy Greenland?
Yes. In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump openly proposed purchasing Greenland from Denmark, reigniting debates about sovereignty and territorial expansion.

3. How does Denmark control Greenland?
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It handles its own domestic affairs, while Denmark manages defense and foreign policy.

4. What are Denmark’s fears about U.S. involvement?
Danish officials worry about a U.S.-led “economic takeover” — where financial influence, rather than military force, could shift Greenland’s political alignment.

5. How do Greenlanders feel about U.S. governance?
Polls show that about 85% of Greenland’s mostly Inuit population oppose American rule, preferring continued ties with Denmark.