Trump: “I want Greenland.” Denmark gets scared and replies: here's the plan

Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland. And Denmark, in response, increases defense spending. The US president reiterates that control of the island, an autonomous Danish territory, is “an absolute necessity” for Washington. While Trump dreams of acquiring the island, a bridge between America and Europe, Copenhagen “ironically”, as Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen says, is launching a plan that should be worth 1.5 billion dollars, a record investment for the country.

Denmark's plan

Denmark, which at least partially controls Greenland's foreign policy, will be able to purchase 2 ships to monitor things on the island, two ultra-modern long-range drones and – as icing – two dog sled teams.

The allocation actually also includes funds to strengthen the Arctic Command staff in the capital Nuuk and to carry out structural interventions in one of the 3 main airports on the island, which will be able to accommodate F-35 jets. “For many years we have not invested in the Arctic, now we plan a more massive presence.” Copenhagen's move comes after the message that the Prime Minister of Greenland, Mute Egede, has already sent to Trump: “We are not for sale”.

The Danish plan, analysts point out, was not developed in a few hours: Poulsen's announcement is the culmination of a process started a long time ago. Denmark believes it is essential to increase its presence in an area where the influence of China and Russia is tangible.

Why Trump wants Greenland

Trump considers Greenland a key piece in his chessboard. The island hosts an American military base, the Pituffik Space Base, a structure built during the Cold War and today a key element for the missile defense system and for the management of space missions. The new president of the United States is also interested in what is underground: lGreenland is very rich in natural resources, from oil to neodymium and dysprosium depositsminerals that China and Russia possess.

How much is Greenland?

The strategic value of the island for Washington has been known for decades. Already after the Second World War, President Harry Truman tried to offer 100 million dollars without success. Today, how much would Greenland cost in a possible fantasy market operation? According to the Washington Post, in 2019, 1.7 trillion dollars would have been needed. Today, who knows.