Is Trump’s Greenland Play Crazy or Genius?
By Jack Beckett
Senior Writer, Charlotte Mercury
When Donald Trump first suggested buying Greenland in 2019, critics rolled their eyes, late-night comedians went wild, and even Denmark scoffed. Fast-forward to 2025, and the idea suddenly seems less ridiculous. On January 7th, Donald Trump Jr. landed in Nuuk with conservative figures Charlie Kirk and Sergio Gor, signaling that the President-elect might actually be serious about this Arctic acquisition.
As Mark Halperin, Dan Turrentine, and Sean Spicer discussed on the Morning Meeting, Greenland isn’t just a frozen outpost—it’s a strategic masterpiece. Halperin summed it up perfectly:
“This isn’t just a throwaway Trump idea. Greenland has real strategic value—military, economic, and environmental. It’s a piece of the puzzle for Arctic dominance.”
If Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket won’t let the Trumps vacation there, why not create the next exclusive summer destination on an island that wants them?
Greenland: Why It Matters 
Greenland’s unique position as an Arctic giant makes it vital for defense, trade, and resources. Sean Spicer made a compelling point during the Morning Meeting:
“Greenland is like Guam or Okinawa. It’s a unique piece of real estate with unmatched air and sea access—especially as Arctic trade routes open up.”
And those routes are more important than ever. As Dan Turrentine noted:
“This isn’t just about defending Greenland—it’s about protecting global trade and ensuring the U.S. has leverage over Russia and China in the Arctic.”
Let’s not forget the minerals. Rare-earth elements, critical for everything from your iPhone to advanced military tech, are abundant in Greenland. “The Arctic isn’t just a frozen wilderness anymore,” Halperin quipped. “It’s a geopolitical chessboard—and Greenland is the queen.”
A Danish Dilemma or Greenland’s Independence Dream?
Denmark isn’t thrilled. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has dismissed the idea, saying, “Greenland is not for sale.” But Halperin noted her choice of words is intriguing:
“She’s now saying, ‘Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.’ That shifts the narrative. If Greenlanders decide they’d rather align with the U.S., Denmark could have little say in the matter.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has also called Denmark’s rule “colonialism” and intensified his push for independence. Could the U.S. position itself as Greenland’s ally in achieving autonomy? Spicer thinks so:
“Imagine the economic benefits Greenlanders could gain—tourism, infrastructure, jobs. No offense to Denmark, but aligning with the U.S. culturally and economically might make more sense for them.”
Vacation in Nuuk?
Picture this: Greenland as the next great summer destination. Think Martha’s Vineyard without the exclusivity—or the Hamptons snobbery. As Spicer joked on the Morning Meeting:
“Move over, Nantucket—Greenland could be the next getaway for America’s elite. You want privacy? Greenland’s got enough land to give every guest their own glacier.”
Trump Jr. and Charlie Kirk seem to be testing the waters, posing for photos in Nuuk while sporting MAGA hats. If you’re thinking about investing, you might want to pack a parka—and a sled.
What’s Next?
Trump’s Greenland play may sound audacious, but as the Morning Meeting team pointed out, the geopolitical math checks out. Between its strategic location, untapped resources, and emerging trade routes, Greenland could be America’s Arctic ace.
The only question is: will the rest of the world—and Greenlanders—buy in? If you’re still laughing at the idea, just remember how people scoffed at the Louisiana Purchase.
Oh, and that waterfront property in Maine? It’s looking like a safer bet for now.
About the Author
Jack Beckett is the Senior Writer at Charlotte Mercury. Fueled by coffee and contrarian takes, he’s here to keep Charlotte informed with just the right amount of snark.
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