Greenland’s mineral resources and strategic location help explain Donald Trump’s sustained interest in expanding US influence there. A new security agreement with Denmark and Greenland would increase the US military presence while leaving the island under Danish sovereignty, reflecting its growing importance amid geopolitical tensions and supply-chain vulnerabilities.

The island may contain rare earth minerals, nickel, copper, palladium, cobalt, oil and natural gas, although much of its potential remains unproven. Companies are exploring mineral deposits and planning a possible 2027 oil well, while the US already operates Pituffik Space Base, which supports missile warning, defence and space surveillance; melting Arctic ice is also opening new shipping routes.