Trump Reasserts U.S. Security Interest in Greenland President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States “needs” Greenland for national‑security reasons, echoing his earlier purchase proposal and prompting a fresh wave of media attention [1][2]. He framed the island as strategically vital amid Arctic competition, and aides such as Stephen Miller publicly questioned Denmark’s legal claim [2]. The remarks followed a high‑profile U.S. military action in Venezuela, reinforcing the administration’s assertive posture [2].

Europe and Denmark Issue Unified Opposition to U.S. Claims Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland and Denmark released a joint statement defending Greenland’s territorial integrity under the U.N. Charter [2]. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected any legal basis for annexation, citing existing NATO‑covered defense agreements and recent Danish investments in Arctic security [2]. The coordinated European response highlighted collective Arctic security concerns and warned that a U.S. military option would jeopardize NATO cohesion [2].

Greenland Leaders Emphasize Autonomy While Weighing Independence Greenland’s prime minister, Jens‑Frederik Nielsen, reiterated the island’s right to self‑determination and expressed openness to security cooperation, but stressed that any future citizenship or independence must be economically viable [2]. Scholars noted that Greenland’s autonomy, granted in 1979 and expanded in 2009, still relies heavily on Danish subsidies, making full independence contingent on diversification beyond mining and tourism [2]. The population of roughly 56,000 Inuit residents continues to assert control over local resources and cultural heritage [1].

Tourism Infrastructure Expands as Visitor Numbers Hit Record Greenland recorded 141,000 tourists in 2024, driven by expanding cruise itineraries and the allure of Ilulissat’s Icefjord iceberg spectacles [1]. New infrastructure—including Nuuk’s international airport (opened late 2024), United Airlines’ Newark‑Nuuk service, and upcoming airports in Qaqortoq and Ilulissat—has lowered travel barriers and spurred further growth [1]. Expedition vessels now frequent the remote east coast and Scoresby Sound, while winter activities such as dog‑sledding and aurora viewing add seasonal appeal [1].