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As part of Trump’s efforts to seize Greenland for its strategic importance to the U.S. interests, the Department of Defense intends to transfer military oversight of the island from the European Command (EUCOM) to the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), which is primarily responsible for the defense of U.S. territory. Through this move, the Pentagon aims to bolster American military presence in the Arctic to counter the growing influence of both Russia and China in this strategic region.Multiple MotivesThere are several motivations behind the U.S. administration’s plan to shift military oversight of Greenland from EUCOM to NORTHCOM, which can be outlined as follows:1- Enhancing U.S. Missile Defense Capabilities: Greenland enjoys an exceptionally strategic location for the United States due to its proximity to the Arctic. It hosts the Pituffik Space Base, which is used for space monitoring and early missile warning systems. The proposed military transition is expected to enhance U.S. missile defense by expanding radar coverage across the Arctic. This is further underscored by the visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to the base in March 2025.2- Confronting Russian and Chinese Influence in the Arctic: A key objective behind the Pentagon’s plan is to solidify U.S. military presence in the Arctic to counterbalance the expanding influence of Russia and China. Russia has bolstered its regional footprint by building numerous military bases and new ports, while China has simultaneously strengthened its capabilities in the area and positions itself as a "near-Arctic state." In response, the United States is moving to contain these advancements.3- Greenland’s Reserves of Rare Earth Elements: Another likely underlying motive behind the military oversight shift is to secure U.S. access to Greenland’s rare earth mineral resources. This comes amid U.S. efforts to replace rare earth imports from China, which Beijing banned in April 2025 in response to U.S. tariffs reaching up to 145%. These minerals are crucial to several sectors of the U.S. economy, including electric vehicles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, missile systems, and advanced aircraft.4- Protecting U.S. National Security: President Donald Trump and his administration view Greenland as a linchpin of U.S. national security. Thus, transferring military authority from EUCOM to NORTHCOM, responsible for protecting the U.S. homeland, serves the broader goal of integrating Greenland into the U.S. domestic defense perimeter, akin to the roles of Canada and Mexico. This underscores Washington’s objective of asserting control over the region to counter northern-origin threats, as the Trump administration no longer considers Greenland outside its sphere but part of America’s immediate geographic domain.5- Expanding U.S. Influence in Greenland: This military shift enables the U.S. to consolidate its military footprint on the island, increasing its political and strategic influence. Although Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it enjoys autonomous self-rule and has its own local government. U.S. military presence could foster deeper ties between Washington and Nuuk at the expense of Copenhagen, helping President Trump achieve his aspiration of eventually annexing the island into the United States.Potential ConsequencesThe transfer of military oversight of Greenland from EUCOM to NORTHCOM is expected to have four significant consequences:1- Spark Tension Between Washington and Copenhagen: Relations between the U.S. and Denmark are likely to experience heightened tension due to this military shift, as Denmark may interpret it as a step toward loosening its sovereignty over the island. The move has triggered concern in Copenhagen, where officials fear it could serve as a pretext for the U.S. to push for annexation, and that it sends a signal to the international community that Washington does not recognize Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.2- Internal Division Within Greenland: The military transition may deepen internal divisions in Greenland between those in favor and those opposed. Supporters might view it as an opportunity for gradual independence from Denmark and economic prosperity under U.S. promises. In contrast, opponents warn that militarization could turn the island into a flashpoint in the great-power competition among the U.S., China, and Russia, potentially endangering local residents.3- Strengthening U.S.-Greenland Strategic Partnership: The U.S. and Greenland are expected to strengthen their strategic and military partnership. This may involve increased U.S. investment in military infrastructure, signing new security agreements, transforming the island into an advanced hub for U.S. surveillance and missile defense, and conducting joint military exercises. These aim at deterring Russian and Chinese activities in the Arctic and expanding U.S. presence there.4- Advancing Economic Development on the Island: The U.S. may channel greater investments into key sectors in Greenland, such as mining, energy, and infrastructure, as part of efforts to diversify its economy. Washington could also increase funding for development projects that promote autonomous governance without reliance on Denmark, thereby solidifying economic ties and encouraging local calls for independence with American backing.Strategic RivalryIn conclusion, the primary objective behind the U.S. administration’s decision to transfer Greenland’s military oversight from EUCOM to NORTHCOM lies in bolstering American military influence in the resource-rich, strategically vital Arctic. This is part of a broader strategy to contain the rising power of global competitors especially Russia and China, whose expanding presence in the region poses a direct threat to U.S. national security.

What’s Behind the Trump Administration’s Interest in Greenland?