Trump's claim of acquiring Greenland at zero cost reveals an ambition as calculating as the ice fields beneath its surface.

Trump’s ‘Free’ Takeover of Greenland? Another Win for the Showman?

Trump wins again.

On the 18th, Trump announced on social media that the United States had reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland granting permanent control over Greenland’s security affairs, as well as the right to unilaterally veto infrastructure investments by U.S. competitors in the region—without any financial cost to the United States.

At first glance, this appears to be a bold expansion of American influence. Yet closer examination reveals the so-called agreement is fundamentally unsound and likely another performative gesture aimed at energizing his base.

First, the 1951 Defense Agreement between the U.S. and Denmark, along with its 2004 supplemental protocol, already granted the United States broad authority to expand its military presence in Greenland. Thus, Trump’s claim of “permanent control” over security matters amounts to little more than rebranding existing rights—such as troop deployment, missile early-warning operations, and intelligence collection—that have long been exercised under established bilateral arrangements.

The same logic applies to investment restrictions. For decades, both the U.S. and Denmark have cited national security concerns to block Chinese and other foreign investments in Greenland. In 2018, for example, when a Chinese consortium bid for three airport projects on the island, then-U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis directly pressured Denmark. Ultimately, Denmark opted to fund the projects domestically, effectively excluding Chinese participation.

In essence, Trump has merely repackaged powers the U.S. has long held, presenting them as a new diplomatic achievement through the use of terms like “permanent” and “free.” This narrative serves as a convenient political tool—especially as midterm elections approach—to deliver emotional gratification to supporters through a familiar script of perceived victories.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876751944563724/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.