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U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that plans were being prepared for “massive” oil, gas and mineral exploration in Greenland, while also emphasizing the Arctic island’s strategic importance to U.S. and European security.
“Massive Oil, Gas, and Mineral Exploration is getting ready to begin in our new and beautiful Greenland!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump said some experts believe Greenland holds some of the world’s largest easily accessible oil reserves, though he provided no details about the estimates or the planned exploration activities.
“The amount of easily available Oil is far greater than that of almost ... anywhere in the World,” he said.
The announcement comes as global energy prices remain elevated more than seven months into the war in Iran.
Trump also described Greenland as “second to none” for the defense and security of both the U.S. and Europe.
“Any future attack on the United States will have to come across Greenland, where our Defense will routinely knock down drones, missiles, or any other form of weapon not yet even conceived,” he said.
“It gives us time, location, and sightline, like nowhere else in the World!”
His remarks follow a September agreement between Washington, Denmark and Greenland to expand the U.S. military presence on the island, including additional bases and missile defense capabilities.
Despite Trump’s reference to “our new” Greenland, the island remains a self-governing territory within Denmark. The agreement recognizes Danish sovereignty and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.
Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas exploration licenses in 2021 because of environmental and climate concerns.
Previously granted licenses, however, remain valid.
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