Donald Trump is really fixated on Greenland right now, and it’s sparking all kinds of debate. Why this huge Arctic island? People are scratching their heads—politicians, experts, everyday folks—and the speculation is nonstop.
A former CIA operative is weighing in with what he thinks is the real story behind it all. Andrew Bustamante, who used to work covert ops for the CIA after serving in the Air Force, says it’s not just the “national security” line Trump keeps repeating. According to him, it’s about keeping America on top in the Arctic and locking down key resources that are becoming more accessible as the ice melts.
Trump recently upped the ante by threatening tariffs—starting at 10% and potentially jumping to 25%—on goods from Denmark and several other European countries (like the UK, Germany, France, and more) unless the U.S. gets to buy Greenland. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushed back hard in a press conference, saying the threats are off-base and that only Greenland and Denmark get to call the shots on this.
Trump isn’t budging. He keeps saying Greenland is essential for U.S. security and has even hinted it could happen “the easy way or the hard way,” which has a lot of people in NATO raising serious concerns.
Locals in Greenland have made it clear they aren’t interested in becoming American, and a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only about one in five Americans back the idea either.
In an interview with The Express, Bustamante broke it down plainly. He explained that controlling the Arctic is key to maintaining U.S. global influence—that’s one big reason. The other? Resources. Greenland has massive deposits of rare earth minerals, critical ones needed for everything from everyday tech to advanced weapons and military gear. Plus things like uranium, iron, and possibly oil and gas. With climate change opening up more of the island, those assets are getting easier to reach.
Samuel Corum/Getty ImagesHe pointed out there’s no real legal basis for the U.S. to just take it by force, even under American standards. Bustamante thinks the smarter play might be cutting economic deals directly with pro-independence groups in Greenland who want to break away from Denmark anyway. That way, the U.S. could gain control over the parts it really wants without blowing up NATO ties completely.
He doesn’t see Denmark being thrilled about it, though. In his view, Greenlanders might end up happier in the long run, but it’s all pretty unpredictable—timing, details, everything.
Bustamante also noted that trying anything aggressive militarily would wreck U.S. credibility with allies and violate commitments. Still, he says the uncertainty itself might be part of Trump’s strategy—keeping everyone guessing.
Around 1,000 Greenlanders gather in the city center and march to the US consulate building located on the outskirts of the city to protesting US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the sovereignty of their country, in Nuuk, Greenland on March 15, 2025. (Photo by Ahmet Gurhan Kartal/Anadolu via Getty Images)Geographically, Greenland’s spot—right between North America and the Arctic—makes it perfect for things like missile warning systems and keeping an eye on shipping routes. That’s why the U.S. already has a military presence there. But the real game-changer could be what’s under the ice.
Trump has pushed back on the mineral angle, insisting it’s all about security. Earlier this year, JD Vance even stopped by a U.S. base on the island, which only added fuel to the rumors that something bigger is brewing behind the scenes.
Bustamante figures Trump gets how the news cycle works. He might keep stirring the pot for now to project strength—similar to how he’s handled other situations—but if quiet deals get done away from the cameras, this whole thing could fade from the headlines pretty fast.
It’s a wild, tense situation that’s got everyone watching to see what happens next.
