Greenland, once seen as a remote Arctic territory, has become a focal point of global power politics. U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited international controversy by threatening trade tariffs against countries that refuse to support American control over Greenland, declaring the island essential to U.S. national security.

The remarks come as a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation visits Denmark to ease diplomatic tensions, while European troops arrive in Greenland for NATO military exercises. Together, these developments highlight how the Arctic is emerging as a strategic frontier in the 21st century.

Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, but its location between North America and Europe gives it enormous strategic value. The island sits along key Arctic routes and plays a role in missile detection, surveillance, and northern defense systems.

Even more important are Greenland’s rare earth minerals, which are critical for renewable energy technology, military equipment, and advanced electronics. As global competition for these resources grows, Greenland has become a prize in international geopolitics.

Trump has repeatedly argued that the U.S. cannot afford to lose influence in the region.

“We need Greenland for national security very badly,” he said. “Without it, there’s a major gap in our defenses.”

While Trump has previously spoken about Greenland in military and strategic terms, his latest comments introduce a new tactic: economic pressure.

He suggested that countries opposing U.S. ambitions over Greenland could face trade tariffs, similar to past threats involving European pharmaceutical imports.

“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland,” Trump said.

This marks a shift toward using trade policy as leverage, signaling that Washington may be willing to apply financial pressure on allies to advance its Arctic agenda.

European leaders have responded with a clear message: Greenland is not for sale.

Denmark has emphasized that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the territory’s future. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen recently stated, “We choose Denmark,” reinforcing local opposition to U.S. control.

Denmark has also announced plans to increase its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with NATO allies. France has added political weight by announcing plans to open a Greenland consulate, signaling strong European unity.

Together, these moves show that Europe is determined to protect Greenland’s sovereignty while maintaining alliance stability.

Despite political tensions, military leaders say their attention is focused elsewhere—particularly on Russia’s growing Arctic presence.

Major-General Soren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, stressed that NATO does not view the United States as a threat.

“I don’t see a NATO ally attacking another NATO ally,” he said.

European forces have begun arriving in Greenland for the Arctic Endurance NATO exercise, which will test troops in extreme winter conditions and improve coordination in the High North.

Officials report no immediate Chinese or Russian naval presence near Greenland, though Russian research vessels remain under close observation.

As Trump’s rhetoric draws headlines, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers led by Senator Chris Coons has traveled to Copenhagen to reassure Danish and Greenlandic leaders.

Their message: Congress views Greenland as an ally, not a possession.

“There’s a lot of rhetoric, but not a lot of reality,” Coons told reporters. “We want to lower the temperature.”

The delegation met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland’s leadership, and regional lawmakers in an effort to prevent further diplomatic strain.

Trump’s special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, believes a negotiated solution is still possible and plans to visit the island in March.

“The president is serious,” Landry said. “Now it’s time to make a deal.”

However, Danish officials have drawn a firm “red line” against any U.S. attempt to take control of Greenland. While cooperation on defense and resources remains possible, full American ownership appears politically unrealistic.

The Greenland dispute reflects several major global trends:

As climate change opens new Arctic routes and access to untapped resources, Greenland’s strategic value will continue to rise.

Greenland has moved from the edges of global attention to the center of international power politics. President Trump’s threat to use tariffs as leverage marks a new phase in U.S. pressure on Denmark and Greenland, while European nations remain firm in defending the island’s sovereignty.

As NATO strengthens its Arctic presence and U.S. lawmakers work to reduce diplomatic tensions, the future of Greenland will play a critical role in shaping security, trade, and geopolitical influence across the Arctic region.