Summary of "Trump’s Bid for Greenland" – The Daily, The New York Times

Introduction

In the March 11, 2025 episode of The Daily, hosted by Rachel Abrams and featuring reporting by Jeffrey Gettleman, the podcast delves into former President Donald Trump’s ongoing ambition to acquire Greenland. This comprehensive exploration examines the strategic, economic, and geopolitical motivations behind the U.S. interest in Greenland, the historical context of this pursuit, and the perspectives of the Greenlandic people themselves.

Trump’s Ambition for Greenland

The episode opens with a reference to Donald Trump's recent address before Congress, where he reiterated his interest in Greenland. Abrams introduces the topic with Trump's message:

• Donald Trump [00:52]: "We strongly support your right to determine your own future. And if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America. We need."

However, Trump concludes his statement with a veiled threat, indicating persistence in his pursuit:

• Donald Trump [01:04]: "I think we're going to get it. One way or the other, we're going to get it."

Strategic Importance of Greenland

Jeffrey Gettleman provides an in-depth analysis of why Greenland holds significant interest for the United States:

• Jeffrey Gettleman [01:50]: "Greenland is enormous. It's the largest island in the world. It has only 56,000 people. But it's this gigantic space and it's located in a very strategic spot along the Arctic Ocean where shipping lanes are increasingly important as global warming melts ice that had blocked those areas for forever up until now."

Key points include Greenland's vast mineral resources, including iron, zinc, copper, platinum, and rare earth elements crucial for high-tech industries. Additionally, Greenland’s location along emerging Arctic shipping lanes enhances its strategic military and economic value.

Historical Context of U.S. Interest

Gettleman traces the historical attempts by the U.S. to acquire Greenland, highlighting that Trump's interest is a continuation of long-standing ambitions:

• Jeffrey Gettleman [03:30]: "The US has seen Greenland as this important piece of territory for a long time... In World War II, Nazi Germany took over Denmark as part of its expansion across continental Europe. And the United States was really worried that there could be a Nazi incursion on Greenland as a stepping stone towards the United States."

Despite multiple attempts, including a $100 million offer post-World War II, Denmark has consistently refused to sell Greenland, reinforcing its status as a non-negotiable territory.

Trump's Attempts and Reactions

Trump’s proposals to purchase Greenland have fluctuated in seriousness, initially met with skepticism and later acknowledged as genuine:

• Donald Trump [06:56]: "In fact, we could move one of the Red Sox spring training camps there."

This statement was initially perceived as humorous, but Trump later clarified the strategic importance:

• Donald Trump [07:44]: "We're looking at it. It's not number one on the burner."

Denmark's Prime Minister publicly rejected the notion, labeling it "absurd":

• Jeffrey Gettleman [07:51]: "And the prime minister, Denmark, very publicly announcing that Greenland was not for sale. She even called this whole idea absurd."

Trump responded defensively to Denmark's refusal:

• Donald Trump [08:09]: "She's not talking to me. She's talking to the United States of America. You don't talk to the United States that way, at least under me."

Greenlanders' Perspectives

Gettleman’s on-the-ground reporting in Greenland reveals a nuanced attitude among its residents towards independence and closer ties with the U.S.:

• Frederick [09:09]: "I want freedom away from Denmark. I hope that Greenland can sell fish to America. How many people are in USA? 350 million boys. They are hungry."

Resident Lila, a tourism business owner, expresses frustration with Danish control and a desire for independence:

• Lila [13:27]: "I want to show tourists dog sledding, ice fishing. But some of the Danish agencies don't use me."

Her aspiration for independence is driven by a sense of self-determination and economic opportunity:

• Lila [14:22]: "I want our country independent."

Conversely, the mayor of Ilulisset, Pele Jeremiahson, voices concern over Trump’s unpredictable approach:

• Pele Jeremiahson [16:09]: "His attitude is, I will have some soldiers down in the border. I will take Patama back. And so we have been talking about Greenland so many times. So what do you do about Greenland?"

Desire for Independence and Self-Governance

The podcast highlights the broader sentiment among Greenlanders for independence from Denmark, fueled by historical grievances and a desire for autonomy:

• Jeffrey Gettleman [18:11]: "Greenlanders come from a different culture. They have their own language, their own traditions... there was this scandal in the 1960s and 70s where Danish doctors were inserting IUD birth control devices into Greenlandic girls."

These historical injustices have fostered a strong movement towards self-governance, although achieving independence presents significant economic challenges. Over half of Greenland's budget is currently subsidized by Denmark, and developing local industries to replace this support remains a significant hurdle.

Potential Relationship with the United States

Greenlanders envision a potential free association agreement with the U.S., similar to arrangements the U.S. has with some South Pacific nations:

• Jeffrey Gettleman [21:26]: "We should establish a free association agreement with the US where we are an independent country, but we have a very close relationship."

This arrangement would allow Greenland to maintain economic support while gaining strategic partnerships. However, skepticism remains due to current U.S. foreign policies and the unpredictable nature of confrontations with the Trump administration.

Implications of U.S. Acquisition of Greenland

Gettleman assesses the potential impacts of Greenland possibly coming under U.S. control or gaining independence:

• Jeffrey Gettleman [23:54]: "I don't think a US Invasion of Greenland is very likely, but I do think that after 150 years of trying to take over Greenland, the US is closer today than it's ever been."

The acquisition would mark a significant geopolitical shift, granting the U.S. a strategic foothold in the Arctic. Additionally, it would signify a major territorial shift away from European influence at a time of strained U.S.-Europe relations.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by highlighting the ongoing political developments in Greenland, including a crucial parliamentary election that could determine the island's future trajectory towards independence and its relationship with Denmark and potentially the United States. With increased attention from global powers, Greenland stands on the cusp of significant geopolitical realignment.

Notable Quotes Recap

• Donald Trump [01:04]: "I think we're going to get it. One way or the other, we're going to get it." (Threatening persistence in acquiring Greenland)
• Jeffrey Gettleman [01:50]: "Greenland is enormous... located in a very strategic spot along the Arctic Ocean." (Strategic importance)
• Lila [14:22]: "I want our country independent." (Desire for sovereignty)
• Pele Jeremiahson [16:09]: "His attitude is... what do you do about Greenland?" (Concerns over Trump’s intentions)
• Jeffrey Gettleman [21:26]: "We should establish a free association agreement with the US." (Preferred relationship model)

This episode of The Daily provides a thorough examination of the complex interplay between geopolitical ambitions, historical contexts, and the aspirations of the Greenlandic people, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of what Trump’s bid for Greenland entails and its broader implications.