Trump's proposal to buy Greenland 'is not a crazy idea'

(Dan Tri) - The former Supreme Commander of NATO Allied Forces in Europe believes that Greenland is not the 51st state of the US, but it is certainly an economic target of Washington.

President-elect Donald Trump said he wants to turn Greenland, which is rich in mineral resources and has an important geostrategic position, into part of the United States (Photo: Reuters).

Speaking on the "The Cats Roundtable" program of WABC 770 radio station in New York on January 12, Mr. James Stavridis - former Supreme Commander of NATO Allied Forces in Europe - said that US President-elect Donald Trump's plan to buy Greenland from Denmark "is not a crazy idea".

However, Mr. Stavridis rejected the possibility of military intervention, and instead supported measures to strengthen economic relations with this autonomous Danish territory.

The former Commander of NATO forces in Europe said Greenland "is a strategic gold mine for the US" thanks to its important geostrategic location and rich natural resources.

"This island is located at the northernmost tip, creating a defensive position for the United States from the Atlantic Ocean. The area is also rich in rare minerals, predicted to have large oil and gas reserves, and is three times the size of Texas. Therefore, it has special geographical importance," said Mr. Stavridis.

“My point is this: We almost bought Greenland. We almost bought it at the same time we bought Alaska, in the 1860s. So it’s not a crazy idea,” Mr. Stavridis said.

While ruling out the possibility of using military force to attack Greenland or Denmark, Mr. Stavridis said the United States could increase economic engagement to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

"There are many business and investment opportunities here. Greenland is not the 51st state of the United States, but it is certainly an economic target for us," Mr. Stavridis emphasized.

Mr. Trump first floated the idea of ​​buying Greenland in 2019, a proposal that was flatly rejected by Danish and Greenlandic officials. He revived the idea in December 2024, arguing that owning the Arctic island was essential to U.S. security.

Greenland's leader, Mute Egede, who supports independence for the island, has ruled out a sale but said he is "ready to talk to Mr Trump".

Although rejecting Mr. Trump's proposal, Denmark expressed support for the possibility of the United States increasing its military presence in Greenland, where there is already a US base.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark since 1979, has pursued greater sovereignty . The island now has its own government, but Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/de-xuat-mua-greenland-cua-ong-trump-khong-phai-la-y-tuong-dien-ro-20250113102029131.htm