According to a report by Reuters on October 14, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States is about to conduct large-scale exploration for oil, natural gas, and minerals in Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory. He also referred to this Arctic island as “our new and beautiful Greenland.” The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating that the United States has no privileges in obtaining natural resources in Greenland, and that related activities must comply with local laws.
Trump posted a statement on the social platform "RealSocial" that day, claiming that the United States has gained significant benefits from the security agreements signed with Denmark and Greenland in September. He stated that large-scale oil and mineral exploration is about to begin, and claimed that experts believe Greenland possesses extremely rich and easily exploitable oil resources, but did not disclose specific development projects.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated that the tripartite agreement does not grant American investors any preferential treatment over investors from other NATO member countries, EU countries, and NATO partner countries. If the United States wishes to explore the natural resources of Greenland, it must do so within the framework of local laws.
July 2, 2026, in Kanaq Town, northwestern Greenland, a supply ship operated by the Royal Arctic Shipping Company docked at the port. This was the first ship to arrive after the sea ice melted. Visual China
In fact, the tripartite agreement signed in September mainly concerns military cooperation. It allows the United States to expand its military presence in Greenland, including the construction of two new military bases and the deployment of the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system. The agreement does not grant the United States any rights to mineral mining or oil drilling. The agreement also reaffirms Denmark’s sovereignty and the right of the Greenlandic population to self-determination.
Greenland has banned new oil exploration activities and uranium mining in 2021. The American company Greenland Energy previously announced plans to drill for oil on the east coast of Greenland by 2027, but they have not yet obtained the necessary permits. The local government is reviewing whether the company can use permits issued before the ban took effect.
Since 2019, Trump has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of purchasing or controlling Greenland, and has even considered using force. Jacob Kaarsbo, a consultant on Danish independent security policy, believes that Trump's latest statements indicate that his intention to control Greenland may not have changed.
As of the time of publication by Reuters, the office of Greenland's Prime Minister refused to comment on Trump's latest remarks, and the Greenland mineral resources department also did not respond to requests for comment.
