Greenland is strategically important to the U.S., says Trump’s national security adviser

Greenland holds significant importance for the national security of the United States, as stated by U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz on Wednesday. This remark followed comments from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested that the U.S. should assert control over the island.

In an interview with Fox News, Waltz, who has been selected to serve as Trump’s national security adviser, addressed Trump’s interest in U.S. governance of the Arctic territory. He noted, “Russia is striving to dominate the Arctic, operating over 60 icebreakers, some of which are nuclear-powered. In contrast, we have only two, and one recently experienced a fire.”

Waltz further emphasized, “This situation involves critical minerals and natural resources. As the polar ice caps recede, China is also increasing its icebreaker fleet and advancing into the region. This is fundamentally about oil and gas, and it directly impacts our national security.”

Trump, set to take office on January 20, did not dismiss the possibility of military or economic measures to acquire the island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. During his first term, he proposed that Denmark consider selling Greenland, a suggestion that was firmly rejected by the Danish government.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has reiterated that the island is not for sale. On Wednesday, the government of the Arctic island acknowledged the evolving security landscape in the region and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration and other NATO allies to maintain security and stability.

As part of NATO through Denmark’s membership, Greenland occupies a strategically vital position, serving as the shortest route between Europe and North America, which is crucial for U.S. military operations and its ballistic missile early-warning system.