The Arctic is becoming a hotspot for global competition, and at the center of it all is Greenland. You might not think of Greenland as a key player in world affairs, but for the United States military and our national security, it’s one of the most important places on the map. As a veteran, I can tell you—control of Greenland is not just a strategic bonus, it’s a necessity.
Back in 1951, during the Cold War, the United States and Denmark signed the Defense of Greenland Agreement. That was a time when we were staring down the Soviets and had to think smart about defending the North Atlantic. This agreement gave the U.S. major rights in Greenland, including the ability to build and operate military bases. One of the most important ones is what we now call Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base). It’s been a key part of our early-warning defense systems and now plays a role in space operations.
The agreement also gave American forces freedom to move across Greenland, use sea and airspace, and build infrastructure—without owing Denmark a dime. That’s not just convenience; that’s operational control. And in today’s world, where China and Russia are sniffing around the Arctic, that kind of access is priceless.
Now, some folks scoffed back in 2019 when President Trump talked about buying Greenland. They thought it was a joke. It wasn’t. It was a serious idea rooted in national defense and long-term strategy. With the Arctic warming and new sea routes opening up, Greenland’s strategic value is only growing. It’s a place rich in rare earth minerals—critical for everything from fighter jets to smartphones. Right now, China controls most of the world’s supply of those minerals. If we don’t secure our own source, we’re leaving ourselves wide open.
Russia’s already ramping up its Arctic military presence, and China’s eyeing the region for trade and resources. With Pituffik already in place and the 1951 agreement backing us, the U.S. is in a strong position to expand its footprint in Greenland. This is not about land grabs or imperialism—it’s about defending the homeland and staying a step ahead of our adversaries.
The legal framework is already there. The 1951 agreement gives us the right to expand our defense efforts in Greenland if national security demands it. That means we don’t have to start from scratch. We can negotiate with Denmark and Greenland to modernize the agreement, reflect today’s threats, and increase our presence responsibly.
Some steps we could take include boosting our military capabilities on the island, investing in Greenland’s economy to build goodwill, and using our role in NATO to strengthen ties and justify a larger presence. Every move should be made with respect for our allies, but with a clear focus on American interests.
The point is this: Greenland is more than just ice and rock. It’s a front line in the new global competition, and America needs to act like it. With President Trump returning to office, we have leadership that understands the importance of strength and foresight. Now is the time to double down on our Arctic strategy.
We’ve got the history, the legal foundation, and the military need. It’s time for Congress and our defense leaders to step up and take action. Because if we don’t secure Greenland, someone else will—and that’s a threat we can’t afford to ignore.
