Many questions have surfaced regarding the legality, strategy, and potential fallout of this dispute as the diplomatic rift between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark intensifies in the first month of 2026.
General Overview
1. Why has the Greenland dispute resurfaced in 2026?
• The issue was reignited following an interview with U.S. President Donald Trump in The Atlantic and subsequent comments on January 4 and 6. Trump asserted that the U.S. “absolutely” needs Greenland for national security.
• Note that the American rhetoric, coupled with the U.S. military action in Venezuela on 3 January 2026, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has led European leaders to fear a potential annexation attempt.
2. Is Greenland a country or part of Denmark?
• Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. While it has its own local government, led by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and handles most internal affairs, Denmark retains control over its foreign policy and defense.
U.S. Motivations and Actions
3. Why does the United States want Greenland?
The United States government, especially under the second Trump administration, has expressed its intention to take control of Greenland beginning in 2025. The following are the primarily cited reasons for wanting to annex the territory:
• National Defense: Maintaining control over the Pituffik Space Base, formerly Thule, and monitoring Russian and Chinese naval activities in the Arctic.
• Strategic Routes: Controlling emerging Arctic shipping lanes created by melting polar ice can make sea-based transportation more efficient.
• Natural Resources: Access to vast deposits of rare earth minerals essential for a range of technological or electronic products and military hardware.
4. Who is the “Special Envoy” to Greenland?
• President Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland in December 2025. His role is to lead the “charge” in advancing U.S. interests on the island, a move Denmark has labeled “deeply upsetting” and “unacceptable.”
Diplomatic and Legal Standpoints
5. Can the United States legally “buy” Greenland?
• No. Under modern international law and the principle of self-determination, a territory cannot be sold without the consent of its people. Both the Danish and Greenlandic governments have stated unequivocally that Greenland is not for sale.
6. How has Denmark reacted to the 2026 threats?
• Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called the pressure “unacceptable.” Most notably, she warned on 5 January 2026, that any U.S. military move against Greenland would mean the “end of NATO,” as it would constitute an attack by the U.S. on its own ally.
Regional and Global Impact
7. Do Greenlanders want to join the United States?
• Current polls suggest they do not. A January 2025 poll showed that 85 percent of Greenlanders are against joining the U.S. While many desire full independence from Denmark in the long term, they prefer to maintain their own sovereignty rather than becoming a U.S. territory.
8. What is the “20-day timeline” mentioned in news reports?
• During a press briefing on 4 January 2026, Trump told reporters, “Let us talk about Greenland in 20 days.” This has caused significant anxiety in Europe, leading some to speculate that a formal proposal or action might be planned for late January.
FURTHER READINGS AND REFERENCES
- Alfarsi, H. 6 December 2026. “Who Exactly Owns Greenland? Can It Be Readily Annexed? Profolus. Available online
- Nielsen, M. L. 28 January 2025. “Virtually No Greenlanders Want to Join the US, New Poll Finds.” Euractiv. Available online
- Scherer, M. 4 January 2026. “Trump Threatens Venezuela’s New Leader With a Fate Worse Than Maduro’s.” The Atlantic. Available online
- Spence, J., and Hanlon, E. 16 January 2025. “Explainer: The Geopolitical Significance of Greenland.” Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Available online