7am Why Trump “needs” Greenland
9 snips
Jan 15, 2026 
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist and an international security analyst, dives into Donald Trump's controversial interest in Greenland. He questions the true motives behind Trump's national security claims, suggesting they may stem from resource acquisition and outdated manifest destiny ideas. Joshi discusses the implications for NATO trust and how this could alter global dynamics, particularly concerning Russia and China. As diplomatic tensions rise, he assesses the potential fallout from Trump's bold actions.
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Greenland's Strategic Mineral Wealth
- Greenland holds massive rare-earth and strategic mineral deposits that matter to modern economies.
- Shashank Joshi warns these resources and China's supply dominance drive US interest beyond mere security.
Manifest Destiny Resonates Again
- Trump's rhetoric echoes manifest destiny and a desire to expand American territory on the map.
- Joshi links this impulse to a personal drive for growth and control in Trump's worldview.
Greenland's Political Relationship With Denmark
- Greenland is self-governing for domestic matters while Denmark handles foreign policy and big-picture issues.
- Joshi stresses Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, not a US-style free association or colony.