Trump announces Greenland oil, gas and mineral exploration plans, citing vast reserves but offering no evidence despite the island’s 2021 licensing halt

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for major oil, gas and mineral exploration in Greenland, saying the territory holds vast, easily accessible energy reserves. He provided no evidence for the claim and gave no details about the planned exploration. The announcement came amid elevated global energy prices, which the post links to months of war on Iran.

Greenland halted new oil licensing in 2021 over environmental concerns. Trump’s announcement follows months of geopolitical tension during which he repeatedly threatened to bring Greenland under U.S. control for strategic defense.

To de-escalate the threats, Washington, Denmark and Greenland signed an agreement on September 22 to expand the U.S. military presence. The plan includes two new bases and a “Golden Dome” missile defense system.

Although Trump referred to “our new” Greenland, the island remains a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.