Senate hearing: Greenlandic independence could force U.S. intervention

As Greenland moves closer to potential independence, U.S. policymakers are debating a question that until recently wasn’t being seriously debated in Washington: Should Greenland become an American territory, akin to Puerto Rico or Guam?

This option—alongside the possibility of a Compact of Free Association (COFA)—was a key focus of testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on February 12, 2025, as lawmakers debated how to secure U.S. strategic interests in the Arctic.

“Greenland’s independence, if it happens, will leave a geopolitical vacuum. If the U.S. doesn’t step in, someone else will,” said Alexander B. Gray, former Deputy Assistant to President Trump and Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council, during his testimony.

The hearing, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), explored the economic and military benefits of acquiring Greenland, particularly its rich cache of rare earth minerals, which he claims are vital for U.S. industries.

“Acquiring Greenland would have enormous economic benefits for the United States,” Cruz said. “The island’s natural resources like rare earth elements would strengthen American supply chains and industries. The island’s strategic location in the Arctic would provide huge advantages in monitoring growing Russian and Chinese bellicosity in the region.”

U.S. interests

Greenland, which is currently an autonomous territory of Denmark, has been taking steps toward full sovereignty, a move that could leave it politically and economically vulnerable.

If Greenland were to break away from Denmark without strong Western backing, it could become an easy target for Chinese and Russian influence, Gray warned.

“We need to be proactive, not reactive. If Greenland becomes independent, we must be the first to offer a deal that keeps them aligned with the United States,” he urged.

Two Options for U.S. Engagement

During his testimony, Gray laid out two different responses to Greenlandic independence:

Turning Greenland into a U.S. Territory

• This would place Greenland in a similar status as Puerto Rico or Guam, making it part of the U.S. while still allowing some degree of self-governance.
  The U.S. would take control of security, trade, and economic development, securing Greenland’s vast natural resources while expanding military operations in the Arctic.

A Compact of Free Association (COFA)

• If Greenland opts for full sovereignty, the U.S. could negotiate a COFA agreement, similar to those with Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.
  This would grant Greenland U.S. defense protection and financial aid, while allowing America to maintain military bases and resource access.

What is a territory?

Making Greenland a U.S. territory could raise political concerns, as territories lack full representation in Congress and Greenlanders would not have voting rights in U.S. presidential elections.

This has been a long-standing grievance for other U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam, where residents are U.S. citizens, but have no voting power in federal elections and only a non-voting delegate in Congress.

If Greenland were to become a U.S. territory, it could spark debates over whether its people should be granted full citizenship rights and political representation, or have unequal representation compared to U.S. states like other territories.

A sense of urgency

With Greenland’s political future uncertain, Cruz and others argue that the U.S. must act now to secure its interests.

“This hearing will show the growing geopolitical importance of Greenland and why it is in the U.S.’s best interest to explore potential opportunities for the territory,” Cruz said when announcing the hearing.

China has already declared itself a “near-Arctic power” and has sought to expand its economic presence in Greenland, particularly in mining and infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Russia has ramped up military operations in the Arctic, making Greenland a key flashpoint in the struggle for global influence in the region.

Gray warned that delaying action could leave Greenland open to foreign competitors.

“We are at a turning point. Greenland’s independence could happen sooner than expected, and we cannot afford to be caught off guard,” he concluded.