Donald Trump revives his ambitions for Greenland and announces his ambassadorial choice for Denmark

Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, has announced his intention to nominate Ken Howery, co-founder of PayPal and former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, as the next Ambassador to Denmark. This announcement also serves as an opportunity for Trump to reaffirm his ambitions regarding Greenland, which he views as strategically important for the United States.

A trusted ambassador for Denmark

Ken Howery, recognized for his expertise in business and diplomacy, was described by Donald Trump as an “outstanding public servant.” During his first term, Howery played a key role in strengthening U.S.-Sweden relations, particularly in the economic and security fields.
“Ken has served our nation brilliantly in Sweden, and he will bring the same excellence to his new role in Denmark,” Trump stated via Truth Social on Sunday, December 22. Howery’s nomination, however, is still subject to Senate approval.

Greenland at the heart of U.S. ambitions

Taking advantage of this announcement, Donald Trump once again brought up Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, claiming that “the ownership and control of Greenland by the United States is an absolute necessity.” According to Trump, this interest is based on critical national security and global freedom concerns.

This statement follows from his 2019 comments when Trump openly expressed his desire to purchase Greenland, a strategically important island due to its size (four times the size of France) and its abundant natural resources: water, oil, gas, gold, nickel, and uranium.

A firm rejection from Denmark and Greenland

In 2019, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the purchase proposal as an “absurd discussion,” emphasizing that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people.” Greenland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded firmly, noting that the island, rich in natural resources and tourism opportunities, “is not for sale.”

This attempt to purchase was not a first: the United States had previously attempted to acquire Greenland in the 19th century and again in 1946, but without success, as noted by the Center for Strategic Studies of the Navy in a 2019 report.

A President already omnipresent before his inauguration

As Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term in January, his recent announcements show he intends to impose his vision right away. Between strategic nominations and bold statements, the elected president leaves no doubt about his priorities in foreign policy and security.