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Why the U.S. Wants Greenland: National Security, Rare Minerals, and the AI Angle
The United States’ interest in Greenland has become a hot topic, especially in recent years under President Trump. From proposals to acquire or take control of the territory to threats of tariffs on European allies, the U.S. has made its intentions clear. While some speculate that Greenland could be used for AI data centers, the main drivers are more strategic and economic.
Greenland’s location in the Arctic is unmatched in strategic value. Positioned between North America and Europe, near critical shipping routes, it serves as a frontline for monitoring Russia’s growing Arctic military activity and China’s polar investments. The U.S. already operates the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) for missile defense, space surveillance, and early warning systems. Full control of Greenland would allow the U.S. to expand military, air, naval, and space operations—vital as Arctic ice melts and competition intensifies.
Beyond national security, Greenland is rich in rare earth minerals like neodymium, dysprosium, and lithium. These materials are essential for electric vehicles, batteries, wind turbines, semiconductors, high-tech manufacturing, and AI hardware. Currently, the U.S. relies heavily on China for these critical resources. Greenland represents a chance to secure independent supply chains, giving the U.S. a technological and strategic edge.
The idea of AI data centers in Greenland has gained traction in tech and investment circles. The region’s cold climate naturally cools large facilities, cutting energy costs for AI operations. Its vast, sparsely populated land offers space for massive data hubs that are hard to build in crowded parts of the U.S. While no major AI centers exist there yet, some experts see Greenland as an ideal long-term location for tech infrastructure, tying into its mineral wealth and energy potential.
Other factors include emerging Arctic shipping routes that shorten travel between Asia and Europe, and broader geopolitical influence in a rapidly changing region. Greenland’s leaders, however, emphasize self-determination and reject any takeover, boosting their defenses in response to U.S. interest.
In short, national security is the official driver behind U.S. interest in Greenland, with critical minerals as a close second. AI data centers remain a promising but secondary consideration. The ongoing push has stirred diplomatic tensions with Denmark, Greenland, and NATO allies, making this Arctic region one of the most strategically contested areas in the world.
