Full Story Why Donald Trump really wants Greenland
Jan 20, 2026
In this insightful discussion, Tom Burgis, The Guardian's investigations correspondent, explores Donald Trump's intriguing interest in Greenland. He connects Trump's motivations to his friend Ronald Lauder, a billionaire with significant business stakes in the region. Burgis highlights how Trump's real-estate mindset shapes his geopolitical ambitions and discusses the national security reasons tied to Greenland's resources. He warns about the potential dangers of wealthy individuals influencing policy for personal gain, particularly in Lauder's case.
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Security And Minerals As Justifications
- Trump frames Greenland as a national security and mineral priority with partial factual basis.
- Tom Burgis says Trump layers justifications over an acquisitive real-estate psychology to rationalize ownership.
Scrutinize Geopolitical Justifications
- Watch how Trump mixes post‑colonial questions with personal acquisitiveness to rally support.
- Scrutinize motives behind geopolitical claims rather than accepting surface security rhetoric.
Greenland Within A Monroe Doctrine Frame
- Burgis ties renewed Greenland interest to a broader Monroe Doctrine-style assertion after moves around Venezuela.
- He notes Trump shifts from buying to hinting at possible military coercion as leverage.