Why Trump “needs” Greenland
Jan 16, 2026 •
Directly after Donald Trump intervened in Venezuela, capturing president Nicolas Maduro and laying claim to the country’s oil industry, the US President set his sights on Greenland.
Trump claims America “needs” Greenland for national security, and has asked his military chiefs to draw up plans to invade if neccessary.
Meanwhile, a meeting between US Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt ended in a stalemate – with Trump doubling down, and Denmark asking for European back-up.
Today, defence editor at The Economist Shashank Joshi, on the real reason Trump wants Greenland, and how his plan could change the world.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Why Trump “needs” Greenland
1787 • Jan 16, 2026
Why Trump “needs” Greenland
Directly after Donald Trump intervened in Venezuela, capturing president Nicolas Maduro and laying claim to the country’s oil industry, the US President set his sights on Greenland.
Trump claims America “needs” Greenland for national security, and has asked his military chiefs to draw up plans to invade if neccessary.
Meanwhile, a meeting between US Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt ended in a stalemate – with Trump doubling down, and Denmark asking for European back-up.
Today, defence editor at The Economist Shashank Joshi, on the real reason Trump wants Greenland, and how his plan could change the world.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Defence editor at The Economist Shashank Joshi
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