Gary Cohn, former economic advisor to President Donald Trump, stated that "Greenland will stay Greenland," linking the territory's critical mineral access to Trump's past interest in acquiring it. Cohn, currently vice chairman at IBM, made the remarks at Davos, emphasizing the bipartisan consensus in the U.S. Congress regarding Greenland's sovereignty. He suggested Trump's previous comments about purchasing Greenland "may be part of a negotiation."

Cohn's statement comes amid growing concerns about access to critical minerals essential for technological advancements in areas like AI and quantum computing, where IBM is a major player. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates Greenland holds significant untapped reserves of rare earth elements, potentially impacting the global supply chain and market dynamics for these materials. While specific financial figures related to these reserves are not publicly available, industry analysts project potential multi-billion dollar valuations as exploration and extraction efforts progress.

Cohn, who served as director of the White House National Economic Council under Trump, also addressed broader geopolitical concerns. He warned that "invading an independent country that is part of Nato" would be "over the edge," highlighting the sensitivity surrounding international relations and security in the current global climate. His comments reflect the business community's increasing awareness of geopolitical risks and their potential impact on market stability and investment decisions.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has previously expressed openness to increased economic cooperation with the United States. However, the prospect of a sale, floated by Trump in 2019, was swiftly rejected by both Greenland and Denmark. The U.S. maintains a military presence at Thule Air Base in Greenland, underscoring the territory's strategic importance. The Danish government has not issued any new statements following Cohn's remarks. The focus remains on fostering collaborative relationships that respect Greenland's autonomy while addressing mutual economic and strategic interests.