Gary Cohn, former top economic advisor to President Donald Trump, stated that "Greenland will stay Greenland," addressing speculation surrounding potential U.S. acquisition plans for the territory. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Cohn, now vice chairman at IBM, linked the strategic importance of critical mineral access to Trump's previous interest in Greenland.
Cohn's comments come amidst ongoing discussions regarding U.S. economic policy and international trade relations. He suggested that any attempt to exert control over Greenland, a territory already associated with NATO member Denmark, would be "a little bit over the edge." Cohn served as director of the White House National Economic Council from 2017 to 2018, after a career at Goldman Sachs where he rose to become president and chief operating officer.
Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed concerns over potential tariff escalations with Europe related to Greenland. Bessent urged observers to "relax" and "let things play out," drawing parallels to market reactions following Trump's tariff announcements the previous year. He implied the current situation presented a different set of circumstances, though he did not elaborate on specific financial implications.
The discussions surrounding Greenland highlight the increasing geopolitical significance of critical mineral resources. Access to these minerals is crucial for various industries, including technology, defense, and renewable energy. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that Greenland possesses substantial untapped reserves of rare earth elements, which are essential components in many high-tech products.
The Danish government has consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale. Despite this, Trump's expressed interest in acquiring the territory in 2019 sparked debate about U.S. strategic interests in the Arctic region and the potential economic benefits of accessing Greenland's natural resources. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic and economic considerations shaping the future of Greenland's relationship with both Denmark and the United States.
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