New Delhi, January 10, 2026, 09:56 p.m. IST
President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to seize Greenland have sparked unified defiance from the island’s leaders and alarm across Europe, as the U.S. eyes the territory’s strategic minerals and Arctic position. All five political parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement late Friday, declaring “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that such a move could dismantle NATO, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for talks with Danish and Greenlandic officials next week.
Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric
Trump stated Friday that the U.S. will “do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” preferring negotiation but open to “a more challenging approach” if needed. He justified the pursuit by claiming Russia or China would otherwise claim the island, framing it as a national security imperative.
The White House confirmed exploring options, including potential military involvement and financial incentives for residents, though Trump avoided specifics on payments.
Trump on Greenland:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 9, 2026
The fact that they landed a boat there 500 years ago doesn’t mean they own the land. pic.twitter.com/Ybha6NfyTb
Strategic Mineral Wealth
Greenland ranks eighth globally in rare earth element reserves at 1.5 million metric tons, hosting massive deposits like Kvanefjeld and Tanbreez in the south. These resources, including dysprosium and neodymium vital for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence magnets, could supply over 25% of projected global demand. No commercial mining occurs yet due to Arctic harshness, but warming trends may enable extraction.
International Backlash
European leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Denmark rallied with a joint affirmation that Greenland’s fate rests with its people. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed decisions belong to Denmark and Greenland alone. Denmark issued stark warnings, with troops under orders to “shoot first and ask questions later” against any invasion.
Must Read: Explained: Why the United States Wants Greenland
Climate and Geopolitical Risks
Greenland’s ice sheet, spanning 80% of the island, holds ice equivalent to seven meters of global sea-level rise and is melting rapidly amid Arctic warming four times the global average. Trump’s interest coincides with U.S. plans for more icebreakers to counter rivals in opening shipping routes. Critics fear acquisition could prioritize mining over vital climate monitoring.
Greenland’s parliament convenes urgently to chart its path, rejecting external interference. As tensions mount, the saga tests NATO bonds and Arctic stability.
