‘If that bully tries to take over Greenland, that’s the end of NATO!’
I was chatting over coffee with a few friends last Sunday.
One became aghast at Trump’s recent demands over Greenland. It became hard to diplomatically move the conversation. So I settled on the size of the island.
Source: Image by Bernd Hildebrandt from Pixabay
Well, some people rely solely on the mainstream news. Only a small handful takes the time to look beyond the clickbait headlines. And when you do, the picture around Greenland becomes far more interesting.
Politicians should create the conditions for economic growth and security. And on that score, there could be benefits here to Greenland, NATO, and the US.
Markets don’t care about outrage
New Zealand is a pleasant place. Most of us try to do right by others. But the wider world is not always built on goodwill. It’s built on competition, security, and the defence of prosperity.
Markets reward those who understand this. They respond to strength, growth, and strategic positioning — not moral panic.
This is why the US continues to lead global GDP growth while Europe stagnates under the weight of its own welfare commitments. And that’s why Denmark and Europe, for all their good intentions, cannot realistically defend Greenland without American support — especially as Russia and China accelerate their Arctic ambitions.
Is Trump bullying Europe? Or is this long‑standing US strategy?
Source: Donald J. Trump / Truth Social
The US has been trying to buy Greenland for over a century. Trump is not the first president to explore the idea.
Over 40% of US territory was acquired through purchase. Expansion through negotiation is part of American history.
Source: Max Manners / X
Trump’s negotiating style is blunt. He starts high, applies pressure, and forces movement. Tariffs are his lever.
But he also said he’s ‘immediately open to negotiation’ on Greenland — which told you the goal was a deal, not a takeover.
Source: Inevitable West / X
And the strategic logic is clear:
- Greenland sits closer to North America than Europe.
- Its culture aligns more closely with Inuit communities in Canada and Alaska.
- Denmark’s track record in managing the territory is mixed — including last year’s apology for decades of forced contraception policies.
- Denmark lacks the military capability to defend the island in a rapidly militarising Arctic.
Power doesn’t wait for permission. The US understands that the Arctic is becoming the next major geopolitical theatre — and Greenland is the anchor point.
What’s happening now?
The set of tariffs threatened on a bunch of ‘outraged’ European countries has been shelved. As Meloni hinted, dialogue found a way through.
It seems Trump has unlocked what the Americans want from Greenland:
- We’ll likely see a lease arrangement – enabling the development of the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system.
- There’ll be cash Denmark can’t refuse. (They’ve struggled to invest meaningfully in the territory.)
- Trump might offer Greenland the ‘Puerto Rico Deal’. Major financial aid. US passports and social services. Defence protection. Employment opportunities for Greenland’s young.
Keep in mind, Greenland was already drifting toward independence from Denmark. With a young population and one of the highest suicide rates in the world, the island urgently needs economic development and meaningful work.
Polling suggests younger Greenlanders are far more open to US integration. Some welcome the idea of American investment — and the potential arrival of a McDonald’s.
Of course, there was also anger — in both Greenland and Denmark. But Trump’s interest has accelerated the independence conversation. And independence naturally shifts Greenland closer to the US orbit.
As we were going to press today, some details emerged on the deal
Source: Wall Street Mav / X
What does this mean for investors?
We’ve seen this movie before.
In April 2025, Trump threatened sweeping tariffs. Markets fell up to 10%. Commentators panicked. Investors fled.
Then the negotiations began. Tariffs rolled back. Deals were struck. Markets surged higher than before.
Fear was the opportunity.
The same pattern occurred here — albeit much more briefly.
At the trading desk, we’ve seen some drawdown this week. Some of that may stem from the Japanese bond blowout. But there was also opportunity, amidst the uncertainty of Greenland, to deploy some great trades before the market took off again.
Businesses continue to grow. US GDP is accelerating. The media noise is just that — noise.
Global competition is intensifying. Europe needed a wake‑up call. And where there is disruption, there is opportunity.
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Regards,
Simon Angelo
Editor, Wealth Morning
(This article is the author’s personal opinion and commentary only. It is general in nature and should not be construed as any financial or investment advice. Please contact a licensed Financial Advice Provider to discuss your personal situation. Wealth Morning offers Managed Account Services for Wholesale or Eligible investors as defined in the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.)