Trump Backs Down on Greenland Force and Tariffs, Proposes 'Golden Dome' Security Deal

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On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump changed his plan for Greenland. He is no longer pushing to buy the island immediately; instead, he wants to secure its critical minerals. This change occurred after a meeting in Davos.

The US wants these minerals to build the Golden Dome missile defense system. Basically, the goal is to stop relying on China for rare materials. While he still mentions tariffs against Denmark, the main focus is now on mining rights rather than land ownership.

Donald Trump also had an interview with NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, following which he said that they “formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region.”

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The New Strategy: Mining Rights Over Real Estate


The White House now views Greenland as a key to national security, and the Golden Dome is a new shield against high-speed missiles. To build it, the US needs rare minerals like neodymium and gallium, whose supplies are mostly controlled by China.

The US is offering a deal to Greenland. The country might provide $5 billion for new mining projects, which would help it get the materials it needs for the Golden Dome. Rather than a full purchase, the US may seek a special partnership. This would give the US military and mining access in exchange for financial aid. The move helps protect the Western Hemisphere while avoiding a direct diplomatic battle over land.

The $700 Billion Question: Can the US Actually Afford Greenland?


Some experts say the cost of buying Greenland could be between $500 billion and $700 billion, which is very expensive. If we count all the oil and minerals underground, the value could reach $4.4 trillion. This is a massive amount of money for any country to pay.

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There are also hidden costs involved, as Greenland does not have many roads or large ports. Building this infrastructure in the cold climate could cost another $200 billion. The US also considered giving cash payments to the 57,000 people living there, which could be as high as $100,000 per person. Even with this money, most people in Greenland do not want to become part of the US and prefer their independence over a payout.

The focus on Greenland shows that Arctic resources are the new gold rush. By choosing minerals over land, Trump is trying to secure the US military's future. Over the next six months, the US will likely sign more deals with Greenland’s mining companies. This strategy aims to push China out of the Arctic region. The real test will be whether the people of Greenland trust the US more than other global powers.