President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for the United States to acquire the territory of Greenland, causing concern and sparking debate about America’s role in the world.
The president first proposed this takeover in 2019, during his first term, but no action resulted from it. However, since taking office again a year ago, he has continued to push more aggressively for this step in American expansion, most recently stating that military action is “always an option.”
Abigail Pomery (11) says, “I think it’s insensitive because Greenland has been part of Denmark for a very long time and has no real ties to America, and they clearly don’t need any governing from America. Not to mention, they have their own separate culture and it would be very inconsiderate to take that over.”
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark with significant internal powers and self-determination. Under the 2009 Self-Government Act, it can choose to leave Denmark and move towards full independence at any time with a popular referendum, but so far has chosen not to due to strategic and economic benefits. Today, a majority of Greenlanders unequivocally oppose an American takeover.
Trump’s aims with Greenland have caused significant political tension, both internationally and domestically. The Danish foreign minister has expressed his concerns, calling some of the president’s suggestions “totally unacceptable.” Many in Congress, including Senators from Trump’s own party, have vowed to block any effort to seize Greenland by military force.
“I think it is a gross violation of international law [if] we would actually attempt it,” says Jacob Antonio (11). “I think he is just too confident, given what happened in Venezuela … He is riding the power trip, essentially, thinking that since he didn’t basically get punished for it, he can do whatever he wants.”
On Jan. 15, troops from several European countries arrived in Greenland in a show of support for Denmark against US intervention. This signaled rising concerns about what may happen if Trump continues to pursue the acquisition of Greenland, especially as fears of military action rise.
“I wonder what Trump thinks is going to happen,” says Sidney Barter (11). “If he invades, that means he’s attacking another NATO state, which I think would then trigger the NATO alliance on the US.”
As a NATO country, an American attack on another NATO state would likely halt member states’ cooperation and significantly threaten the unified security structure. Additionally, internal conflicts may divert attention from external threats, severely jeopardizing international security. However, due to the unprecedented nature of the situation, it is difficult to predict what may come of this.
“Honestly, who knows?” says Barter. “Every single week, something horrible happens.”
Many seem to agree that President Trump is acting beyond the responsibilities of his office in this pursuit of territory, especially due to his alienation of Congress.
Pomery says, “I don’t think he’s fulfilling what he should as a president when he’s going after foreign control.”
“There is no reason [for this] other than presidential greed and corruption,” says Antonio. “It reflects too much on imperialism, which did go very poorly in the past and has no reason to go well now.”
Today’s tense political landscape leaves people both in America and all around the world wondering what will come of these developments, especially as international cooperation and stability seem to be precipitously declining.
