President Donald Trump is pursuing efforts to bring Greenland under U.S. influence, marking a renewed focus on the semi-autonomous Arctic territory.
Carla Sands, former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and current chair of foreign policy at the America First Policy Institute, said Wednesday on Newsmax's "Newsline" that Trump believes Denmark cannot adequately defend Greenland. Initial discussions between U.S. and Danish officials have commenced, though Trump has not spoken directly with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in the past year. Sands indicated the talks represent early-stage diplomatic engagement over the strategically important territory.
The issue has sparked debate over national security and sovereignty in the Arctic region. Sands compared the potential acquisition to Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase, suggesting it could define Trump's legacy. Greenland's mineral resources and strategic Arctic location have heightened U.S. interest in the territory.
Greenland’s Vulnerability Sparks U.S. Concern
As reported by Newsmax, Sands highlighted Greenland’s unique challenges, noting its small population and stated desire for eventual independence leave it ill-equipped to manage governance or defense on its own.
“This is only the first meeting,” Sands remarked, suggesting more negotiations are ahead to address these glaring gaps.
Trump’s long-standing concern, dating back to 2019, was that Greenland’s security is at risk, a warning Sands said went unheeded by Danish leadership.
Denmark's NATO Shortcomings Under Scrutiny
Sands didn't hold back on Denmark's track record, pointing out its failure to meet NATO's expectations under Article 3 for defending its own territory. This pattern of neglecting basic alliance commitments demonstrates a troubling disregard for collective security responsibilities that other NATO members take seriously.
She recalled Frederiksen's promise of $200 million for defense equipment, only to spend a sliver of that sum. "Anything she says we cannot trust or believe," Sands declared, casting doubt on Denmark's reliability as a partner and raising fundamental questions about whether Copenhagen's word means anything on the international stage.
For a nation tasked with safeguarding a strategic Arctic outpost, such lapses raise serious questions about commitment in an era of rising global tensions. When Denmark can't even fulfill its most basic obligations to protect what's nominally under its sovereignty, it becomes clear that more capable stewards may need to step in to ensure vital strategic interests aren't left vulnerable.
Arctic Strategy Meets Broader Geopolitical Goals
Greenland isn't just a standalone issue; it ties into Trump's broader national security priorities, especially with Arctic shipping lanes and the looming influence of Russia and China in the region. Securing this territory represents a critical chess move in the great power competition that will define this century's balance of power.
The White House is keenly awaiting outcomes from ongoing discussions, viewing control of this territory as a linchpin for countering adversarial ambitions. America cannot afford to let potential rivals gain footholds in regions where our national security depends on maintaining freedom of navigation and resource access.
Sands connected these dots to Trump's larger foreign policy playbook, hinting at pressure points like Iran and Venezuela that could indirectly squeeze rivals like China on trade and energy fronts. This multidimensional approach recognizes that global influence requires leveraging advantages across multiple theaters simultaneously, not treating each challenge as isolated.
Balancing Security with Global Responsibility
While Greenland takes center stage, Sands also touched on Iran, praising its "ancient, beautiful culture" and expressing hope that its people gain opportunity and freedom from repressive clerical rule. This acknowledgment shows that pursuing American interests doesn't require demonizing entire populations, only holding their oppressive governments accountable.
She avoided second-guessing Trump's tactics but endorsed a firm stance, especially if Iranian authorities follow through on threats to execute prisoners amid current uprisings. Strength and moral clarity go hand in hand when confronting regimes that brutalize their own citizens while threatening regional stability.
Ultimately, securing Greenland reflects a pragmatic vision, prioritizing American interests in a volatile world while navigating complex alliances with a clear-eyed view of who truly upholds their obligations. In an era where weakness invites aggression, America must be willing to act decisively when partners prove unwilling or unable to meet their responsibilities.
