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Trump’s interest in Greenland is not new. He initially proposed the idea of acquiring the island during his first term in 2019, calling it “a large real estate deal,” though that earlier effort was largely dismissed by Danish officials at the time. The renewed push reflects broader strategic and geopolitical calculations: Greenland’s location in the Arctic is considered critical for missile defense, surveillance, and as a buffer against potential military advances by other global powers.
The Arctic also holds significant untapped natural resources, including rare minerals and hydrocarbons, which has intensified global competition. While Trump has framed the pursuit as essential to U.S. national and global security, critics and international observers have warned that aggressive moves could harm long‑standing alliances and violate principles of sovereignty and self‑determination. Trump’s decision to suspend tariffs suggests a more pragmatic approach — or at least a temporary retreat from the most confrontational elements of his earlier strategy — though the broader ambition remains politically charged and controversial.
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