As climate change continues to reshape Arctic landscapes, Greenland's strategic and economic significance will likely remain a topic of global discussion—but for now, the island's people have made one thing clear: they are not for sale, even for a trillion dollars.
U.S. President Donald Trump has once again expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, reportedly increasing pressure on the Danish government following his return to the White House. While Greenland's geographical proximity to the U.S. has long made it a point of strategic interest for Washington, what exactly keeps the U.S. so fixated on this icy landmass? A reporter currently in Greenland brings us a closer look at the situation.
Trump is not the first U.S. leader to attempt an acquisition of Greenland.
1867, following the purchase of Alaska from Russia, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward negotiated with Denmark to buy Greenland, but the deal never materialized.
In 1946, the U.S. government offered $100 million (equivalent to $1.2 billion today) to purchase Greenland, but Denmark again refused.
The primary reason for the U.S.'s persistent interest in Greenland is its strategic location. The shortest distance between the U.S. mainland and Greenland is just 2,700 kilometers, meaning that if Greenland were incorporated into U.S. territory, Washington would gain closer proximity to its European allies and its longtime geopolitical rival, Russia.
Beyond its location, Greenland's vast natural resources make it particularly attractive to the U.S.
80% of Greenland's landmass is covered in ice, but global warming is accelerating ice melt, making the island's rich deposits of rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron more accessible for extraction.
The U.S. views these resources as strategically valuable, particularly given its dependence on China for rare earth minerals.
Following his re-election, Trump stated in January 2025 that the U.S. does not rule out acquiring Greenland through "economic or military means." This remark intensified international attention on the Arctic island.
Local Reactions: "We Are Not for Sale"
Trump's renewed push to buy Greenland has triggered strong reactions from local residents, particularly among the majority Inuit population.
One prominent voice is Olsen, a Greenlandic social media influencer and former mining engineer, who now focuses on promoting Greenlandic culture.
Olsen criticized Trump's tactics, accusing his team of staging public events to manipulate local sentiment:
"When Donald Trump Jr. visited Nuuk, they orchestrated everything. They invited some homeless and unemployed people for free meals—this was all premeditated. I don't think those Greenlanders knew what they were being used for. And I certainly don't think they support Donald Trump."
For many Inuit residents, Greenland's future is preserving its culture and environment—not joining the United States.
Olsen, who studied in Australia before returning to Greenland, emphasized:
"I want my children to grow up as Greenlanders—that is my main reason for staying. I want them to protect the environment, live in harmony with nature, and speak Greenlandic. This is what matters most to me, and I also want to contribute to Greenland's independence."
How Much Is Greenland Worth? Locals Respond With Humor
Speculation about the potential price tag for Greenland has been circulating in financial and political circles. Some estimates suggest that if the U.S. were serious about acquiring the island, it would cost at least $1 trillion.
However, many Greenlanders see this as nothing more than a joke. One elderly resident sarcastically suggested:
"If Trump really wants to buy Greenland, the price should be one dollar per snowflake."
Beyond the humor, local residents remain firm in their stance: Greenland is not for sale, no matter the price.
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