U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy toward Greenland began with statements made during his first term and later gained continuity within the framework of U.S. security and defense strategies for the Arctic region. Trump viewed Greenland as a strategic area critical to North America’s defense line, military balance in the Arctic, and early warning systems.

This approach was shaped alongside U.S. objectives to sustain its military presence in the Arctic, enhance its capacity to monitor the northern airspace, and support the transatlantic security line. Greenland’s geographic location, the long-standing U.S. defense activities in the region, and existing military infrastructure formed key elements of this policy.

Trump’s statements and administrative steps regarding Greenland did not remain at the level of general declarations over time; they evolved into concrete measures supported by diplomatic mechanisms. In this context, the U.S. administration opted to handle relations with Greenland at the level of a special representative.

The process reached a new stage in December 2025 with the appointment of a special representative for Greenland and parallel official statements from the European Union and Denmark. These developments demonstrated that the U.S. policy toward Greenland was being pursued through diplomatic and institutional steps as of 2025.

Historical Background

General Framework of U.S. Territorial Expansion Policies

The United States’ territorial expansion policies have been shaped since the late 18th century through diplomatic agreements, acquisition initiatives, and bilateral treaties. These policies were pursued with the goals of ensuring continental security, controlling sea lanes, extending defense lines, and bringing strategic geographic regions under control. U.S. administrations at various times directly made specific regions the subject of negotiations on grounds of military and economic security.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

The first major example of U.S. territorial expansion through purchase was the 1803 Louisiana Purchase Agreement signed with France. Under this agreement, the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory, which included much of the Mississippi River basin. The purchase secured vital inland trade routes and opened the path for continental expansion. This step contributed to establishing land acquisition as a viable instrument in U.S. foreign policy.

Alaska Purchase (1867)

On March 30, 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia through a treaty. This acquisition provided access to the North Pacific and Arctic regions and extended the U.S. northern defense line. The U.S. administration of the time assessed Alaska as a strategically important region for military and maritime security. The purchase of Alaska constituted an early example of the United States’ long-term security interest in the Arctic region.

Purchase of the Danish West Indies (1917)

In 1917, the United States purchased the Danish West Indies through an agreement with Denmark. These islands later became known as the U.S. Virgin Islands. The purchase was carried out to ensure maritime security in the Caribbean during World War I and to prevent potential military threats. This example demonstrates that a diplomatic process based on territorial transfer had previously occurred between the United States and Denmark.

Greenland’s Place in U.S. Security Policy

Due to its geographic position between North America and Europe, Greenland has long held a special place in U.S. security planning. During World War II, the United States established military facilities in Greenland and effectively assumed responsibility for the region’s defense. After the war, bilateral agreements provided a legal foundation for the U.S. military presence in Greenland. This presence has been linked to early warning radar systems and air defense infrastructure.

The Cold War and Beyond

During the Cold War, Greenland became a critical component of the United States’ ballistic missile early warning systems. Potential attack scenarios originating from the North Pole increased the strategic importance of military facilities in Greenland. During this period, Greenland was firmly established as a permanent element of the U.S. northern defense architecture.

Greenland on the Agenda During Donald Trump’s Presidency

U.S. President Donald Trump was among the first U.S. presidents to openly express renewed interest in Greenland. In statements made in August 2019, Trump emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance to the United States and publicly raised the idea of purchasing the island. These statements were rejected by the Danish and Greenlandic authorities.

Greenland’s Strategic Importance in the 21st Century

Greenland plays a critical role in the U.S. northern security chain through its long-range radar systems, space and missile tracking infrastructure. In addition, the region’s mineral and natural resource potential has come to the forefront in the context of competition among major powers.

Trump’s Statements on Greenland

On December 20, 2025, U.S. President Trump stated that Greenland was necessary for U.S. national security. In his remarks, he highlighted Greenland’s strategic position in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions, emphasizing its importance for early warning systems, air defense, and the northern security line. Trump’s statement demonstrated that Greenland was being directly addressed within the context of U.S. security policy.

Appointment of a Special Representative for Greenland (December 22)

On December 22, 2025, U.S. President Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as Special Representative for Greenland. The appointment was publicly disclosed by the White House. The role of the special representative was defined as managing and coordinating relations between the United States and Greenland. With this step, Greenland entered the group of regions addressed by the United States through a dedicated diplomatic mechanism.

European Union’s Response

On December 22, 2025, European Union institutions issued statements regarding the U.S. appointment of a special representative for Greenland. The statements recalled that Greenland is an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark. EU officials emphasized that such diplomatic steps must be evaluated within the framework of Europe’s sovereignty structure and existing political statuses.

Danish Government Statements

Between December 22 and 23, 2025, the Danish government emphasized in its statements that Greenland is an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark. It was noted that Greenland’s foreign relations and defense matters are addressed within the framework of its existing constitutional structure. Danish authorities stated that decisions regarding Greenland’s future must be evaluated jointly with the Greenlandic government and population.

Greenland’s Geostrategic Position

International media reports have highlighted Greenland’s significant geographic position in terms of military and security balances in the Arctic. Due to its location between North America and Europe, Greenland is identified as a strategic area for long-range radar systems and air defense infrastructure. The region stands out for its capacity to monitor air and maritime traffic in the Arctic.

Context of U.S. Arctic Security Policy

As of 2025, the U.S. administration’s policies toward the Arctic region have been linked to security and defense planning conducted through Greenland. It has been reported that U.S. military infrastructure and early warning systems in Greenland have long been operational under the northern defense line. In this context, Greenland is regarded as an integral component of the U.S. Arctic security architecture.

Information in International Media

International news reports have drawn attention to Greenland’s autonomous status, noting that the region possesses its own decision-making mechanisms in internal affairs and local governance. It has been stated that Greenland’s relations with international actors are conducted within the framework of this autonomous structure and its constitutional ties to the Kingdom of Denmark.