US threat makes Greenland independence less likely

Significance Trump has reiterated a wish to purchase the territory, which he sees as important to US security and defence. His interest in Greenland coincides with growing support there for independence from Denmark, which is possible through a referendum. Impacts Interest will grow in Greenland’s rich natural resources, including rare earth minerals, gold, uranium, and oil and gas. An independence referendum would raise difficult questions regarding the future financing of Greenland’s welfare system. Greenland’s future risks becoming a sore point between Trump, on the one hand, and the EU and its largest member states, on the other.