Article Trump resumes the Greenland annexation narrative (DIY single-mindedness)

[C C]

We need Greenland for national security, says Trump after naming envoy
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/tr...2025-12-23

NEWS: US President Donald Trump on Monday doubled down on his long-standing push for US control over Greenland, arguing that the Arctic island is vital to American national security and saying a newly appointed special envoy would lead the charge in advancing US interests there.

Trump’s remarks came a day after he named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland, a move that has reignited criticism from Denmark and Greenlandic leaders, who have repeatedly rejected Washington’s ambitions.

“We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals,” Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida. “If you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it.”

Trump said Landry, a vocal supporter of closer US control over the Arctic territory, would spearhead the effort. “He wants to lead the charge,” the president said.

Trump repeatedly floated the idea of US control over Greenland during his presidential transition and the early months of his second term, at times refusing to rule out the use of military force. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a US military base on the island and accused Denmark of under-investing in Arctic security.

Following Trump’s surprise announcement, which revived long-running tensions over Washington’s interest in the vast, mineral-rich Arctic territory that remains part of the Danish kingdom, Denmark’s foreign minister said he would summon the US ambassador, according to the Associated Press.

"We have said it before. Now, we say it again," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a joint statement. "National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security."

"Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the US shall not take over Greenland," the statement added. "We expect respect for our joint territorial integrity."

Trump announced Landry’s appointment on Sunday, describing Greenland as essential to US national security and saying the Louisiana governor would strongly advance US interests for the safety, security, and survival of our allies.

In response, Landry welcomed the role, saying that it was an honour to serve and vowing to work to make Greenland a part of the US. His remarks further inflamed concerns in Copenhagen and Nuuk.

While the Greenland issue faded from headlines for several months, it resurfaced in August when Danish authorities summoned the top US diplomat in Copenhagen after reports that people linked to Trump had conducted covert influence efforts in Greenland.

On Monday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he would formally summon US Ambassador Kenneth Howery. The controversy drew support from Europe’s top leadership. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said Arctic security is a priority for the European Union but repeated that sovereignty is non-negotiable.

Greenland is a former Danish colony with a population of about 57,000. The island has the right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement but remains heavily reliant on fishing and Danish subsidies. Its strategic position between Europe and North America makes it a key site for the US ballistic missile defence system, while its mineral wealth has heightened US interest in reducing reliance on Chinese exports.

[Magical Realist]

Must be some bad news about him he had to upstage. Trolling the media with bullshit claims is pretty much all he does these days.

[Zinjanthropos]

From AI:

An attack on Greenland is considered militarily and geopolitically complex due to its geography, harsh environment, and status as a Danish territory under NATO protection. If a hypothetical, large-scale actor were to attempt this, analysts suggest the following approach based on logistical and strategic realities:

1. Strategic Approach (Air & Sea Dominance)
Leverage Existing Infrastructure: The most direct route would be utilizing existing U.S. infrastructure, specifically the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in northern Greenland, which already has runways for heavy aircraft and established logistics.
Amphibious and Airborne Assault: Due to a lack of roads connecting settlements, an invasion would require securing key ports along the western coast (such as the capital, Nuuk) via amphibious landings, combined with airborne drops to control airfields.
Focus on Key Nodes: The goal would be to quickly seize government, communications, and logistical hubs.

2. Environmental Challenges
Arctic Conditions: Military equipment (like heavy tanks) would struggle in temperatures below −30°C, requiring specialized cold-weather gear and training.
Terrain: The combination of ice sheets, steep cliffs, and deep fjords makes traditional ground maneuvering nearly impossible.

3. Major Obstacles and Consequences
NATO Article 5: Because Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, an attack on it is considered an attack on a NATO member, likely triggering a collective defense response.
Severe Geopolitical Fallout: Such an action would likely fracture NATO, destroy alliances, and result in immediate global condemnation.
Internal Resistance: While Greenland has no dedicated military, defense would likely come from the Danish Joint Arctic Command, which operates ships, aircraft, and a specialized dog sled patrol (Sirius Patrol). **

Alternative "Non-Military" Approach
Given the extreme risks of a kinetic attack, analysts suggest that securing control over Greenland's natural resources (minerals, oil, and gas) is more likely to be attempted through diplomatic negotiation, economic investment, or purchasing land rights, rather than direct military invasion.


** Specialized dog sled teams should be more than adequate for the Danes.