, Columnist
Greenland Is Too Important to Invade
JD Vance wants Greenland in his grip.
Photographer: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
President Donald Trump has stepped up his pressure campaign to make Greenland a part of the US. Arguing the national-security importance of fully controlling the vast island — an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark — the administration has talked of buying it or even taking it by force. His latest slap is that Greenland’s defense is “two dog sleds” and its populace “does not want to see Russia or China take over.”
But are claims of Greenland being absolutely necessary for US security legitimate? Is purchasing it really an option? What would be the consequences of the US using the military to occupy the island?