News
Trump’s Greenland plan raises alarm over US control of the Arctic
Trump’s Greenland deal sparks global alarm over Arctic control
Greenland has long felt distant from global power plays, a vast icy land better known for glaciers than geopolitics. That sense of isolation cracked this week after reports suggested a proposed deal under former US president Donald Trump could allow Washington to take direct control over parts of Greenland.
The idea has landed like a thunderclap across Europe and beyond. It has stirred memories of old colonial arrangements, reignited debates about Arctic security, and set social media buzzing with disbelief and concern.
What the reported deal would allow
According to reporting from The Telegraph, the draft framework would permit the United States to build military bases on Greenland that would be treated as American territory within the Arctic region. The structure of the agreement is reportedly similar to the treaty that allows Britain to operate two sovereign base areas in Cyprus.
This would not be entirely new territory for Washington. The US already operates an airbase on Greenland’s northwestern coast under a 1951 defence agreement. What is different now is the scale and permanence being discussed and the suggestion that these bases would effectively fall under US control.
Missiles, minerals, and strategic power
Another layer of the proposal has raised even more eyebrows. Reporting by Axios claims the draft includes language about expanding the US Golden Dome missile defence system into Greenland. In an era of renewed tension between major powers, that detail alone has amplified fears about an accelerating arms race in the Arctic.
Equally controversial is the claim that the deal would allow the US to mine rare earth minerals in parts of Greenland without having to apply for permits. These minerals are essential for modern technologies, from smartphones to electric vehicles, and are increasingly seen as strategic assets. Control over them could tilt future economic and security balances.
Trump’s reaction and shifting alliances
Trump has shown little hesitation in praising the proposal. Speaking to reporters, he described it as a fantastic deal for the United States, saying it delivered everything Washington wanted, especially in terms of national and international security.
Shortly after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump also announced he would drop his threat to impose new tariffs on European countries that opposed his claim on Greenland. Rutte later described the meeting as a good starting point and said discussions focused on protecting the island from outside threats.
For critics, the timing felt strategic. For supporters, it looked like hard power politics at work.
Why Greenland matters more than ever
Greenland sits at the crossroads of Arctic shipping routes, military positioning, and untapped natural resources. As climate change melts ice and opens new sea lanes, interest in the region has surged. What once seemed remote is now central to global strategy.
Online reaction has been swift and divided. Some commentators have expressed shock that a territory linked to Europe could be discussed in such terms. Others argue that the Arctic is already heavily militarised and that this move merely formalises realities that have existed for decades.
A deal that reshapes the Arctic conversation
Whether the reported framework becomes reality or not, it has already changed the conversation. Greenland is no longer just a backdrop to climate debates. It is now a focal point in questions about sovereignty, security, and who gets to shape the future of the Arctic.
For many observers, the biggest question is not what the US wants, but how Greenlanders and their allies will respond to being placed at the centre of a growing global power contest.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: NBC News
