Trump Announces Mass Oil and Mineral Exploration in Greenland

US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday the start of a “mass exploration” of oil, gas and minerals in Greenland, describing the island as a key asset for the security of the US and Europe.

“The massive exploration of oil, gas and minerals is about to begin in our beautiful new Greenland! There are experts who say that the amount of oil easily available is much greater than that of almost any land anywhere in the world and, more importantly, from the point of view of security, in the defense and offensive of both the United States and Europe, is unequalled,” Trump said.

“Any future attack on the United States will have to pass through Greenland, where our defense will routinely take down drones, missiles or any other form of weapon that has not yet been conceived. It gives us time, location and line of vision like anywhere else in the world. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Security Agreement of September 2026

The announcement takes place one month after the signing in September 2026 of a security agreement between the United States, Denmark and Greenland. The pact expands the American military presence on the island, including two new bases and support for the “Golden Dome” missile defence system, without transferring sovereignty or full territorial control.

Greenland remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark; the agreement grants the US military and security access, but it maintains Danish sovereignty and the right to self-determination of the Greenlanders.

Estimated oil and mineral resources

Trump cited “experts” who claim that the amount of oil easily available exceeds that of almost anywhere else on the planet. According to assessments by the United States Geological Service (USGS), the conventional resources not discovered in West Greenland-East Canada province are estimated at around 7.8 billion barrels, with wide ranges.

In specific areas such as Jameson Land, there are talk of unproven forward-looking resources that could reach billions of barrels, although they are not confirmed reserves or easily extracted resources.

Obstacles to extraction

The extraction in Greenland faces significant challenges: the thick ice layer, remoteness, lack of infrastructure, very short working seasons and extremely high costs.

In the past, several large companies carried out scans in the area and withdrew after many wells were dry.

Strategic importance for the US and Europe

Trump highlighted Greenland’s geographical position as “unmatched” for the defense and offensive of the US and Europe, arguing that any future attack on the United States would have to cross the island, where U.S. forces could intercept drones, missiles or other weapons.

This vision is aligned with Greenland’s growing Arctic relevance to missile routes, the presence of Russia and China, and the control of new maritime routes that are opening up by thaw.

Data of the author

Ivan Kasanzew, a journalist with more than twenty years of experience, was born in Buenos Aires and moved to the United States in the late 1990s. He has worked in Hispanic chains such as Telenotias del Mundo, Telemundo and Univision, specializing in the production of long stories.