Latest news from the president is that we “got” Greenland for “no cash,” in so many words. Truth be told, what exactly changed in our relationship with Greenland?
Insofar as I can tell, the answer is “nothing.”
It was no coincidence that President Trump announced his “framework” of a deal to acquire or do something with Greenland after meeting with NATO Chief Mark Rutte, who patiently explained to him that the U.S. already had the right to defend Greenland and set up as many bases as necessary on the island-nation to do so. To wit:
The 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement allows the United States to keep its three main military bases in Greenland — Thule, Narsarsuaq and Sondestrom — and to establish new bases or “defense areas” if deemed necessary by NATO. NATO Chief Rutte no doubt greenlighted the establishment of new bases.
Trump is now not only bragging about obtaining Greenland for nothing (cough, cough), but he is also talking about U.S. “sovereignty” over its new charge. Interestingly enough, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said he is open to negotiations with the Trump team, but “we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty.” The Greenland prime minister echoed those sovereignty sentiments.
Trump is also talking about obtaining mineral rights, in other words, sole U.S. access to the island’s rare earth elements. That may or may not result from negotiations, but so far, what we have is status quo ante — but with a Trump twist: “I won.”
I call this the $18 trillion con job because if you believe foreign entities will invest $18 trillion in the U.S., then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you. Or how about the island of Greenland?
