Former US President Donald Trump has reignited his interest in acquiring Greenland, the resource-rich Arctic island strategically located between North America, Europe, and Russia. With its unique political ties to Denmark and rich reserves, Greenland has become a focal point of geopolitical interest.

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• Greenland is currently an autonomous territory of Denmark, with Denmark controlling its foreign affairs and security.
• Historically, Greenland was part of the Dano-Norwegian Realm until Denmark took full control after separation from Norway in 1814.
• During World War II, Greenland was under US control (1940-1945) to prevent Nazi occupation.
• Denmark integrated Greenland in 1953, granting Greenlanders Danish citizenship but maintaining control over defense and international policy.
• In 1979, Greenland gained home rule, allowing self-governance in domestic matters, though Denmark retains authority over security and foreign policy.
• Greenland has a parliament (Inatsisartut) and sends two MPs to the Danish parliament.
• Greenland is rich in oil, gas, and rare earth materials, essential for green technologies, attracting global powers like the US and China.
• Trump views Greenland as a “strategic asset” and has called its acquisition “necessary” for US interests, citing potential Chinese dominance in rare materials.
• Greenlanders have long sought complete independence from Denmark, complicated by Denmark’s agreements with the US, including the controversial Pituffik military base.
• The mass-contraceptive scandal and nuclear storage controversies in the 1960s-70s have strained Greenland-Denmark ties, fueling independence demands.