Trump says oil, gas and mineral exploration to begin in Greenland
The US president also praises the security advantages of last month's deal with Denmark and Greenland.
Key points
- Trump announced on Truth Social that massive oil, gas and mineral exploration is set to begin in Greenland.
- He claimed Greenland holds some of the world's largest reserves of easily extractable oil.
- The announcement follows a security deal with Denmark and Greenland that expands US military presence.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that "massive" exploration for oil, gas and minerals is set to begin in Greenland. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the Arctic island, a self-governing Danish territory, holds some of the world's largest reserves of "easily" extractable oil.
Trump did not provide details about potential US involvement in the exploration. There was no immediate comment from the leaders of Greenland or Denmark.
Security deal with Denmark
Last month, Trump reached a security agreement with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland that expands the US military role on the island. The deal allows for two new military bases and Trump's planned "Golden Dome" missile defence system, while reaffirming Danish sovereignty and Greenlanders' right to self-determination.
The agreement was intended to end an almost two-year crisis over Trump's refusal to rule out seizing Greenland by force.
Massive Oil, Gas, and Mineral Exploration is getting ready to begin in our new and beautiful Greenland!
— Donald Trump
Trump cites strategic advantages
In his post, Trump praised the security benefits for the US and Europe from the pact as "second to none". He said any aerial attack on the US would have to pass over Greenland, allowing Washington to neutralise threats.
Trump added that this gives the US "time, location, and sightline, like nowhere else in the world".
