​Donald Trump's Greenland obsession: Why the icy island is back in headlines – in pictures

President Donald Trump’s long-running fascination with Greenland has resurfaced, turning a once-dismissed idea into a live geopolitical flashpoint. What began as an eccentric proposal in 2019 during his first term has now evolved into a sustained push framed around US national security, Arctic power and global influence. (AP image)

Trump has nominated a MAGA ally, Jeff Landry, as the United States’ first-ever special envoy to Greenland. The role was created amid renewed American interest in the island. The move triggered immediate concern in Denmark, which stressed that Greenland is not “on the clearance rack” for expansion. (Image/X@LAGovJeffLandry)

Trump has repeatedly described Greenland as vital to US survival. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” he wrote, doubling down on a claim that alarmed allies across Europe. (AP image)

Trump insists his interest is not driven by minerals but security. Greenland’s Arctic location places it along key military and shipping routes between North America and Europe, making it strategically valuable in a world where Trump views geography, choke points and deterrence as defining global power. (AP image)

As melting ice opens new Arctic shipping lanes, the region is shifting from cooperation to competition. For Trump, Greenland represents a forward position to monitor rivals, especially Russia and to prevent adversaries from exploiting what he sees as America’s strategic hesitation. (AP image)

The US already operates the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland under a 1951 defence agreement. The base supports missile warning, missile defence and space surveillance, reinforcing Trump’s argument that Greenland is already central to defending the American homeland from emerging threats. (AP image)

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, pulling Trump’s ambitions into Nato politics. Trump has repeatedly accused allies of underinvesting in defence and Greenland’s role strengthens his argument that the US bears the security burden and deserves greater control or leverage. (AP image)

Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the envoy appointment confirmed “continued American interest,” but warned: “We insist that everyone—including the US—must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” calling the nomination “completely unacceptable.” (AP image)

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected any US claim outright. “We will determine our future ourselves. Greenland is our country,” he said, adding, “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders, and territorial integrity must be respected,” underscoring local resistance to annexation talk. (AP image)

US intelligence has warned that Washington is willing to use economic and military pressure to assert its will as Arctic competition intensifies. With China seeking influence and Russia expanding military activity, Greenland has become central to Trump’s vision of power, deterrence and dominance. (AP image)