Trump Doesn't Really Want Greenland

[u/vurbil]

Trump keeps bringing up buying Greenland for some reason other than actually wanting to buy Greenland. How do I know? Because if he actually wanted to acquire Greenland, these public pronouncements are the last thing you'd do.

What you'd actually do is:

1. Start developing a relationship with the natives. Economic projects, etc.

2. Negotiate for some large American project on the island that requires a ton of labor. A large construction project of some sort. Then recruit your most ardent supporters for the job and offer massive incentives for them to stay in Greenland.

3. Continue to offer massive economic incentives for Americans to go to Greenland, such as mining rare earth minerals.

4. Once the population of Americans on Greenland exceeds the native population, then and only then do you start quietly planting the idea of annexation in the minds of the Americans in Greenland. You say nothing about it publicly at this point. It has to be an organic thing happening in Greenland.

5. Only once the situation is ripe and the whole thing has become a massive problem for Denmark, then you come out and start saying things like Greenland should have self-determination. Perhaps a referendum on Greenland's future should be held. And that's when you quietly--quietly--go to Denmark and offer them a deal to buy it.

Is this scenario wildly unrealistic? Perhaps. But it's a lot more realistic than just blurting out that you want someone's territory. That doesn't really go over too well in this world order that we've created. That's what leads me to believe that Trump has no real hope of acquiring Greenland. He is either putting this out there as the opening of a negotiation to get some kind of military basing or mining rights on Greenland, or he is throwing out flares to distract the media from what he really wants to do, or he is just bored waiting to take office and wants to troll.

[u/JinxStryker]

When he says that, he is speaking to China, not so much Greenland.

China has been trying to get their talons into Greenland.

Greenland is strategically important to Arctic aspirations for the US, Russia, China, and others. I’m sure if the US could get Denmark to let go (and the people of Greenland by referendum), that would be a major boon. The Arctic is where a lot of action is going to be going down in the future. Minerals, military, new Arctic sea routes for trade. Greenland “flies under the radar,” but those who know, know.

[u/vurbil → u/JinxStryker]

Yes, it's extremely important strategically. But if you understand the modern European mindset, coming out and saying you want to buy a piece of land full of natives is the last thing you'd do if you actually want to acquire it. You have to play the game by the current set of rules.

[u/SiberianGnome → u/vurbil]

Or you make a new set of rules and get others to play the game your way.

Your way seems valid. But it’s also snakey, and it’s what people hate about the US.

Old way: Let’s go subvert Denmark and cause unrest in their territories so that they want to sell it to us?

New way: “we want to buy it. Let’s skip the BS. How much?”

[u/vurbil → u/SiberianGnome]

The old way works. It turns the rules of the game in your favor. You're the one arguing for self-determination and native rights. Versus what we have now, which is worldwide condemnation of the mere notion.

[u/SiberianGnome → u/vurbil]

Where did I argue for self determination or native rights?

[u/vurbil → u/SiberianGnome]

You misread my post.

[u/SiberianGnome → u/vurbil]

Ah, I see what you’re arguing there.

The old way may work. But you’re also describing colonization and can also lead to “worldwide condemnation”

You’re literally arguing to send a bunch of Americans to live there and then when they outnumber the locals, to have them ask to be part of the US instead of Denmark.

Your method is slow, and it harms everyone except the US. You make Greenland a problem for Denmark, and you go against the will of the current local population by outnumbering them with transplants.

Alternatively, you could make an offer that is beneficial to Denmark, as well as an offer to the local population that benefits them.

Why not be upfront and transparent, rather than try to manipulate and deceive?

[u/JinxStryker → u/vurbil]

First time seeing Donald Trump in action? Whatever rules those are that you speak of, or whatever conventions you expect, he does things his way, my brother. And quite often, he succeeds while others shake their heads, insisting that this just couldn’t possibly work. Yet frequently, it does.

I’m old enough to remember the Germans laughing at him when he called them out publicly for relying on the Russian pipeline. He warned them that if there was a problem with Russia, Germany would suffer. Why would you give your money to Russia and help them build up a war chest, he asked?

I’m also old enough to remember him telling NATO that they better start paying their fair share, because if they didn’t, America wasn’t going to haul their freight any longer. He said that NATO needed to get serious and pay their dues, because their equipment was falling into disrepair, they were neglecting their flight hours, and they were half-assing it in joint exercises. He did this very publicly. Many NATO countries laughed at him — surely this kind of talk was inappropriate and against convention! Then they threw a temper tantrum when they realized he wasn’t kidding. And guess what? They started to pay, and prepare for a war they didn’t believe would ever really happen.

On both counts — Germany buying Russian gas and NATO dues — I remember some saying Trump was living in the past, that there would never be another WW2-style land war in Europe. A few years later, Russia rolls the tanks into Ukraine.

Trump sees something here with Greenland and is saying this now, in a very public way, for a reason. He doesn’t care if rubs certain Europeans the wrong way. And we shouldn’t either. There’s a strategy behind it. You want a cucked White House, go back to Biden.

[u/vurbil → u/JinxStryker]

We could always just land a battalion of Marines. There is absolutely nothing Denmark could do about it. However, that wouldn't be in our interests.

[u/JinxStryker → u/vurbil]

Wouldn’t even take a full battalion. We could send some mall cops.

We shall see what happens. I spent time in Thule as a child and I am very fond of the people there. I worry how the indigenous peoples will be treated. Inuit are kind and generous. I wish the island could be left entirely alone. But that’s not the world we live in. Sadly.

I worry what China might do if they get their mitts on that place.

We will see!

[u/IndianWizard1250]

he's just making it clear that if China is putting its foot (tentacles) everywhere, so will we.

[u/SiberianGnome]

Ah, I see what you’re arguing there.

The old way may work. But you’re also describing colonization and can also lead to “worldwide condemnation”

You’re literally arguing to send a bunch of Americans to live there and then when they outnumber the locals, to have them ask to be part of the US instead of Denmark.

Your method is slow, and it harms everyone except the US. You make Greenland a problem for Denmark, and you go against the will of the current local population by outnumbering them with transplants.

Alternatively, you could make an offer that is beneficial to Denmark, as well as an offer to the local population that benefits them.

Why not be upfront and transparent, rather than try to manipulate and deceive?

[u/vurbil → u/SiberianGnome]

Because this way won't work. Europeans aren't reasonable. They are infected with ideologies and insecurities that make them instinctively recoil at the notion of evil, capitalist "America" gaining territory. Especially territory full of Inuits. Ironically, the Inuits would benefit immensely, but Europeans don't care because it would also benefit "America."

[u/SiberianGnome → u/vurbil]

Just gotta make in an offer that benefits them more than it upset them.

[u/vurbil → u/SiberianGnome]

Won't work because their motives aren't rational.

[u/Clear-Wrongdoer42]

Trump is much smarter than people give him credit for. Of course he isn't going to buy Greenland or invade Panama. He keeps people off guard and reacting to what he says. He measures people's responses to his statements and figures out their real intentions that way. It's the well tested strategy of baffling people with bullshit.

[u/vurbil → u/Clear-Wrongdoer42]

I agree. The reason I made this post is that a lot of his supporters take this stuff at face value. I'm 100% MAGA, but there are definitely uneducated MAGA people that clap like seals at everything he says without really understanding what is going on.

[u/Clear-Wrongdoer42 → u/vurbil]

You are probably right. I think half the country has completely lost the plot at this point. It doesn't surprise me that even some of Trump's supporters would not understand his methods.

[u/Winstons33 → u/Clear-Wrongdoer42]

Agree with both you guys. I'm looking forward to seeing how all this plays out.

It's CRAZY how much people underestimate DJT.

[u/Low-Loan-5956 → u/Clear-Wrongdoer42]

Maybe, but raising the bar isn't difficult when it starts off on the ground.

[u/Roguspogus]

Yea just do what China is doing in Africa

[u/vurbil → u/Roguspogus]

Yes.

[u/xSparkShark]

Colonizing Greenland as you describe is goofy as hell and would be opposed by the domestic left and much of the developed world.

Realistically, the only practical way of acquiring Greenland would be payment. Even if we tried your method Denmark would just start rejecting entry to Americans who very clearly were moving there for political purposes.

[u/vurbil → u/xSparkShark]

Denmark would be a lot more inclined to sell in the scenario I described. There is no way they sell now because there is no leverage.

[u/vipck83]

I mean clearly. I think it’s funny when people freak out about these things. He doesn’t want Denmark or Canada ether.

[u/Low-Loan-5956]

Any conversation about America buying Greenland is ridiculous and not worth a second thought.

[u/vurbil → u/Low-Loan-5956]

The only thing that is ridiculous is your delusion that Europe's opinion matters.

[u/Low-Loan-5956 → u/vurbil]

Pathetic, self centered and delusional attitude.

[u/vurbil → u/Low-Loan-5956]

Europe is a poor, resentful, effete, washed up, Anti-American, anti-capitalist, did I mention washed up continent whose denizens are still somehow smug and condescending.

[u/Low-Loan-5956 → u/vurbil]

How can you honestly put down "smug and condescending" whilst defending the most smug and condescending world leader the world has ever seen.

That man is a menace. He is a threat to Republicans as much as he is a threat to the opposition.

You defending him is ludicrous. He does not care about you, he does not care about the party, he does not care about the country. It is so obvious.... Jesus..

[u/vurbil → u/Low-Loan-5956]

It's obvious you're not an American, much less a Republican. Therefore, by the rules of the sub, you must be banned.

[u/Low-Loan-5956 → u/vurbil]

Supporting Donald Trump is the most anti American thing you can do. He also isn't a republican, he aligns with exactly 0 traditional republican values.

[u/vurbil → u/Low-Loan-5956]

No.

[u/Low-Loan-5956 → u/vurbil]

Great point.

[u/vurbil → u/Low-Loan-5956]

Why is Eurotrash in a sub about an American political party?

[u/vurbil → u/Low-Loan-5956]

The purpose of this sub is clearly not for Europeans to come here and bash our country. They have the entire Internet to do that. Strongly suggest this European troll be banned from the sub due to not being a Republican.

[u/Low-Loan-5956 → u/vurbil]

Didn't bash your country, didn't bash Americans.

No one is better off unquestioned.

Anyone who believed in their movement would welcome scepticism.

[u/vurbil → u/Low-Loan-5956]

It's against the rules of this sub. It's a sub for Republicans. You have all of Reddit to spew your Anti-American, progressive viewpoints.

[u/GodDammitKevinB]

Why does the right tolerate a leader who speaks in riddles?

[u/cadrass → u/GodDammitKevinB]

It’s an upgrade from one who doesn’t speak in complete sentences.

[u/Winstons33 → u/GodDammitKevinB]

So you expect the President to spell out every tactic?

You should be happy we have a President actually willing to communicate at all.

[u/GodDammitKevinB → u/Winstons33]

No, I don’t need everything spelled out but I expect the president to mean what they say when they do say it. It looks insane to continue to say “that’s not what trump REALLY means.”

[u/Winstons33 → u/GodDammitKevinB]

Oh, he MAY mean it.... But we're all pretty sure he'll settle for something different.

I'm sorry you're not comfortable with these tactics. To me, I think it's pretty hilarious watching everyone lose their shit.

[u/GodDammitKevinB → u/Winstons33]

For the record I’m not losing my shit, or uncomfortable with his tactics. I’d prefer elected officials don’t spend their precious time trolling their own citizens or neighboring countries. The narrative that trump is playing 3D chess and “what he REALLY means is…” is unhinged coping at best.

[u/HornetGaming110]

OR just offer them cash

[u/vurbil → u/HornetGaming110]

No, not going to happen.

[u/HornetGaming110 → u/vurbil]

Trump doesn't do anything quietly tho so yours also seems unlikely xd

[u/vurbil → u/HornetGaming110]

Yes, acquiring Greenland under any circumstances is exceedingly unlikely. But what Trump has done has made it that much less likely, and that's why it's clear to me that he's not serious about it.

[u/IvanDrake]

I love how Republicans think Trump is calculating and playing 4D chess. He’s much more simple than that.

[u/Winstons33 → u/IvanDrake]

You think so? So, what....you think Trump plans on invading Canada, Greenland, and Panama then - the guy who took a lot of pride in starting zero new wars?

Why don't you spell out his simplistic thinking for us.

[u/IvanDrake → u/Winstons33]

I don’t think he plans to invade anywhere. He’s basically talking out of his ass…… per usual.

[u/Winstons33 → u/IvanDrake]

You think so?

So the President-Elect can (as you say) "talk out of his ass" and STILL be more coherent than either Biden or Harris?

I'd say he deserves more credit from you folks....

[u/IvanDrake → u/Winstons33]

Who brought up other politicians? I’m just saying Trump is full of crap and that he talks without any real purpose. He’s like a child.

[u/Winstons33 → u/IvanDrake]

I think you're wrong. I guess we'll need to revisit this topic in a few months or years, and see how it all plays out.

[u/JLEMPF]

Or he just shoots from the hip and mentions things that advisors put on his desk.

[u/ERCOT_Prdatry_victum]

Can't happen in two elected terms.

[u/vurbil → u/ERCOT_Prdatry_victum]

Yes, but you could start.

[u/TrailBlazer1985]

I have read Trump’s statements are code to Denmark to encourage them to increase its investment in military defences in Greenland.

[u/BizzareRep]

The arctic is melting in the summer and the winters are shorter. Hence, the appeal to access the arctic sea routes for trade is strong. I think Trump may be testing the waters to see if we could get an in, in Greenland.

It’s not like it’s a sovereign state- it’s a danish colony, with a tiny population of non Danes.

[u/Every1jockzjay]

My opinion is trump is just purposely stirring up random shit to distract the democrats from the firestorm to come. I think trump is just calming the democrats before he sets fire to their party. I honestly think he's worried they will assassinate him before the work gets started.

I think federal investigations into democrats, and fauci ewho actually have committed crimes will start a week into his term.

[u/usernamesarehard1979]

Ill give them $0.25 per square mile. It's not that big right?

[u/Gurganus88]

Greenland has a huge store of rare earth minerals which China currently has a monopoly on. Greenland is sitting on loads of strategic resources that the US and China want. The US because we’d have our own source without relying on China who we will probably be at war with in 20 years and China wants it to keep there monopoly and because of said probable war in 20 years.

[u/vurbil → u/Gurganus88]

Correct.

[u/stlyns]

If the USA really wanted to, we could just TAKE Greenland. We're still the most powerful nation and military.

[u/MAHwhat]

This is fucking sick and for a western leader to carve such a plan and it would be a tragedy. You have a vivid fantasy. But this is not the year 1900. The Empire has been broken up.

The borders of the World have been drawn. And the World have been somewhat peaceful since ww2 because most countries agree on this. For the US, the country that have gained the most from this deal, it would be absolutely sick to reopen this chapter of Human history, where large countries can invade smaller countries

[u/vurbil → u/MAHwhat]

There's nothing sick about a simple real estate purchase. Calm down. Tiny Denmark is not going to keep its colonial possessions in perpetuity. 

[u/MAHwhat → u/vurbil]

You are are not right in the head if you compare border drawings to realestate deals.

First of all Greenland is not denmark’s to sell and secondly the people of Greenland have every right to leave the kingdom of denmark. Lastly, denmark and Greenland have been united since 1380, long before the US existed. This is not a colonial possession.

The US is all of a sudden playing colonial games. This against everything you guys have stood for. Freedom and all.. At least Trump is pretending to.

[u/vurbil → u/MAHwhat]

Why is Eurotrash in a sub for an American political party?

[u/vurbil → u/[deleted]]

Ban this guy. Not a Republican. Not even an American.

[u/MAHwhat → u/vurbil]

Please do.