Denmark Boosts Greenland Defense Following President-Elect Trump's Calls to Buy Greenland

What Happened?

Denmark announced it will boost the defense of Greenland following President-elect Donald Trump's renewed comments about U.S. ownership of the Arctic Island.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Tuesday that Copenhagen plans to spend around $1.5 billion in the new defense package, according to reports.

The funding package would include two new inspection ships, two extra dog sled teams, two new long-range drones, and an increased staffing presence at Arctic Command in the capital Nuuk.

Three main civilian airports in Greenland would also receive upgrades to handle F-35 supersonic fighter aircraft.

'We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years, now we are planning a stronger presence,' Poulsen told Danish reporters.

He reportedly described the announcement's timing as an 'irony of fate.'

On Monday, Trump said that U.S. ownership and control of Greenland was an 'absolute necessity' after announcing he chose Ken Howery to serve as ambassador to Denmark.

Trump took to Truth Social and backed these reasons behind 'purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World.'

Poulsen reportedly said Denmark was willing to 'work with the U.S.' to secure the ownership of Greenland.

But Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede responded in a social media post on Monday opposed to the idea.

Egede said, 'Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom.'

Although Egede isn't totally on board, he did add that Greenlanders should continue to be open for cooperation and trade.

Why it Matters

Trump previously called for the U.S. to purchase Greenland from Denmark during his first presidential term which reportedly sparked tensions between Washington and Copenhagen.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredericksen reportedly called the idea 'absurd,' which led Trump to cancel a planned trip to the country.

According to records, the U.S. considered purchasing Greenland at least twice prior in 1867 and 1946, but Denmark rejected the offer.

Greenland voted in favor of self-government in 2008 but is still within the control of Denmark, which handles defense and foreign policy matters.

Some reports highlight that Denmark has been very slow in expanding its defense, which limits their ability to protect waters around its territory from encroachments like China and Russia.

Russian and Chinese influence has reportedly grown as climate change melts ice and creates new pathways around the Arctic region.

As a result, U.S. demands are likely to grow amid the global attention centered around Greenland's lack of military presence.

How it Affects You

Trump will prepare to enter office on Jan. 20 with many foreign relations matters on his plate.

Besides Greenland, Trump also reportedly made claims that the U.S. should have control of the Panama Canal.

While pledging to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Trump will have a heavy list of tasks ahead in an effort for global stability.