Copenhagen (Agencies): Denmark has reportedly reached out to US authorities, expressing its willingness to bolster the US military presence in Greenland in a bid to forestall any future claims of ownership over the strategic Arctic island. The move is said to be a response to former US President Donald Trump’s infamous 2019 suggestion of purchasing Greenland, which was met with widespread criticism and rejection from Denmark.
Sources familiar with the development suggest that Danish officials conveyed this proposal to members of Trump’s administration, signaling openness to accommodating an expanded US military footprint on the island. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, has gained geopolitical significance due to its abundant natural resources, strategic Arctic location, and growing accessibility amid melting ice caps.
Greenland already hosts the US-operated Thule Air Base, a critical installation for missile detection and space surveillance. An enhanced US military presence would likely involve expanded infrastructure and personnel, further cementing the island’s role in Arctic security and US-Danish relations.
While the Danish government has not issued an official statement, analysts interpret the move as an effort to maintain Danish sovereignty over Greenland while ensuring continued strong ties with the United States. This development comes as global interest in the Arctic intensifies, with major powers eyeing the region for its untapped resources and strategic importance.
The proposal is expected to be a topic of discussion in future US-Danish diplomatic engagements, particularly as Arctic geopolitics continue to evolve. Greenland’s government, which has a degree of autonomy over domestic affairs, is likely to weigh in on any significant military expansion on its territory.