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“The Mistake About Greenland Is Thinking It’s About Greenland”: Why the US Really Wants the Island

Published January 21, 2026, 13:16
“The Mistake About Greenland Is Thinking It’s About Greenland”: Why the US Really Wants the Island

Venture capitalist Josh Wolfe argues that the US's move to potentially purchase Greenland isn't about Greenland itself, but about controlling the rare earth minerals located on the island. These minerals are crucial for the US defense industry, as China currently dominates their global processing. Wolfe states that Trump's tactic involves initial extreme demands, escalation, and then shifting to a more “reasonable” economic proposal, using the rhetoric of force as leverage. He believes the Greenland issue is part of a broader geopolitical plan including tariffs against European countries and hybrid operations in the Baltic. Ultimately, he emphasizes that hard power and resource control supersede rules and international law.