Greenland has surged into the global spotlight in January 2026 as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies his push to acquire the vast Arctic island from Denmark, framing it as a critical national security priority to counter Russian and Chinese influence, bolster missile defense like the “Golden Dome,” and secure access to immense untapped rare earth minerals and other critical resources estimated in the trillions of dollars. Reviving his 2019 proposal—now escalated with discussions of purchase, diplomatic incentives (including potential direct payments to Greenlanders), or even military options—Trump has declared that anything less than U.S. control is unacceptable, warning that without it, adversaries could occupy the strategically located territory straddling key Arctic routes. This has plunged NATO into its most severe crisis since its 1949 founding, with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warning that any forceful takeover would mark the end of the alliance, while European allies including France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the UK deploy small contingents of troops and aircraft for joint exercises in Greenland as a show of solidarity and increased military presence. Denmark, responsible for Greenland’s defense with limited local forces like the Sirius Patrol and U.S.-operated Pituffik Space Base (hosting about 150 personnel), has ramped up its Arctic commitments amid the standoff. No rare earth mining is active yet due to harsh -40°F conditions, absent infrastructure, and environmental concerns including a 2021 uranium ban, but projects like Tanbreez (28.2 million tons) and Kvanefjeld advance with stock surges (e.g., Critical Metals up over 150% YTD) as investors eye diversification from China’s dominance; Greenland’s proven reserves of 1.5 million tons position it as a potential Western alternative, though experts stress patient cooperation over coercion to avoid fracturing transatlantic ties.