Trump Says Greenland Oil, Gas Exploration Set to Begin

President Trump said Wednesday that large-scale oil, gas and mineral exploration is getting ready to begin in Greenland. He did not say who would do it or when.

• Trump cited unnamed experts who say Greenland's accessible oil exceeds almost anywhere.
• 2021: Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas exploration licenses.
• 80% of the island is covered in ice, complicating extraction.
• Commercially recoverable oil and gas reserves have not been established.

Why it matters: Trump's post follows a security agreement the US, Denmark and Greenland signed last month. That deal mentions minerals cooperation but gives no specifics and does not mention oil or gas.

• Greenland, not Washington, controls domestic affairs including mineral resources.
• The deal allows new US bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig.

How 44 sources split on this story

Where they split: Coverage divides over whether to stress the strategic and resource upside Trump describes or the legal, physical and economic obstacles to extraction.

What’s next: The White House has not provided details on when or how exploration would begin.

• Any drilling under existing licenses would still need further Greenlandic government approval.
• Will Greenland's government lift or modify its 2021 halt on new oil and gas licenses?
• Which companies, if any, are prepared to fund exploration given high extraction costs?
• How do Danish and Greenlandic officials respond to Trump's claim?