Donald Trump is still interested in Greenland. But now he has changed tactics.Image: keystone
The US government still wants to get hold of the island. However, with a different strategy.
May 23, 2026, 7:54 p.mMay 23, 2026, 7:54 p.m
Niels Anner, Copenhagen / ch media
US President Donald Trump is no longer threatening to take over Greenland by force. The determined resistance from Europe and the Kingdom of Denmark, but also from the US Congress, made him rethink his approach. But Trump’s interest in the island remains undiminished. His confidants now simply act more discreetly – with five chess moves.
Helpers to independence
Jeff Landry, Trump’s special envoy, tried to recruit friends and drive a wedge between Greenland and Denmark in Nuuk this week. He emphasized how the US could help Greenland become independent – with a better economy, like Iceland’s. The US President has “opened the door” and offers “incredible opportunities”. At the same time, Landry made it clear who was setting the conditions: He openly stated that the USA had to leave its “footprint” in Greenland again for security reasons.
The oil scenario
An economic charm offensive is running parallel to the political charm offensive. The heads of the US company Greenland Energy came to Nuuk with Landry. They suspect that northeast Greenland has one of the largest undeveloped oil fields in the world and want to start test drilling with millions in capital as early as autumn. This is despite the fact that Greenland actually stopped oil production in the Arctic in 2021, which is particularly risky. But Greenland Energy still has a valid license through company acquisitions; However, environmental clarifications and approvals from the Greenlandic authorities are still missing.
However, CEO Robert Price already believes in an oil adventure like those experienced by Norway and Alaska. He also promises Greenland independence, wealth and at the same time energy security for the USA and Europe. Several experts see this as a direct connection with Trump’s Greenland ambitions. It is a “strong geopolitical investment,” says Danish energy researcher Anne Merrild. Arctic expert Gorm Winther fears that any profits will primarily go to foreign investors.
Diplomatic pressure
Denmark and Greenland had hoped to find an amicable solution with the Trump administration in diplomatic negotiations that have been ongoing since January. But according to reports in the New York Times and the BBC, the USA is making unacceptable demands there: They want three additional military sites, for which Greenland would have to permanently cede land.
In addition, the Americans are apparently demanding the right to veto investments by other countries on the island – and for themselves special rights when it comes to raw materials. Copenhagen and Nuuk see this as an encroachment on sovereignty, which is why the negotiations are dragging on. After meeting with Landry, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said again that his country was open to cooperation, but Greenland’s “red lines” had to be respected.
Powerful presence
In Nuuk, the USA is also expanding its influence with concrete. On Thursday they opened a new, 3,000 square meter consulate in a massive new building in the middle of the capital. There were appetizers like musk ox hot dogs for guests, but no one from the Greenland government showed up. Hundreds demonstrated in front of the building against Trump’s policies.
US Ambassador Ken Howery was very friendly and praised the strong Greenlandic society, which “decides for itself about its future”. It was the same ambassador who recently did not want to clearly rule out the use of force against Greenland, and the population remembers only too well media reports that the consulate was involved in influence activities – by secret services or Trump advisors who want to build networks in Nuuk.
A paid Greenlander
At least one Trump adviser is a Greenlander: Jørgen Boassen helps with contacts and translations whenever the US needs him. The 52-year-old bricklayer explained that he brings people who are “enthusiastic about America” and shows the positive side of his country. He doesn’t have an official job, but is paid by “Landry’s friends,” he tells TV2. It was Boassen’s idea that the USA should look at the Greenlandic health system – whereupon Trump and Landry launched the US hospital ship for Greenland, which, however, never left the USA. (aargauerzeitung.ch)
Video: Watson/Lucas Zollinger