The President’s Inbox Trump’s Greenland Ambitions, With Heather Conley and Rebecca Pincus
Jan 29, 2026
Rebecca Pincus, Arctic security expert at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and Heather Conley, transatlantic and Arctic policy expert at the American Enterprise Institute, discuss Trump’s pursuit of Greenland. They explore Greenland’s autonomy and economics. They trace historical U.S. interest, Arctic strategic value, resource challenges, and the transatlantic fallout from the proposal.
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Greenland's Evolving Autonomy
- Greenland has steadily moved from Danish home rule toward greater self-rule while Denmark retains responsibility for foreign policy and defense.
- Greenlanders want independence and economic self-sufficiency, but worry about losing control of their future.
U.S. Interest Has Deep Historical Roots
- U.S. interest in Greenland has historical precedents including U.S. protection during World War II and postwar purchase attempts.
- Previous U.S. leaders considered Greenland strategically vital during the Cold War, reflecting long-standing American attention.
Real Estate Mindset Meets Arctic Strategy
- President Trump's Greenland push mixes personal real-estate thinking with strategic arguments about Arctic control.
- The Arctic's opening increases the strategic value of Greenland for missiles, submarines, and undersea cables.