Trump says US prepares "massive" oil and gas drilling in Greenland

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that his country is preparing to begin "massive" exploration for oil, gas and minerals in Greenland. "Massive oil, gas and mineral exploration is being prepared to start in our new and beautiful Greenland!" Trump wrote in a message on his social network. He also said the territory is vital to the security of the United States and Europe. Trump said experts believe Greenland holds "easily accessible" oil reserves that are "much larger than almost any territory anywhere in the world." Beyond energy resources, Trump said Greenland is "unbeatable" for the "defensive and offensive" security of the US and Europe. "Any future attack on the United States will have to pass through Greenland, where our Defense will systematically shoot down drones, missiles or any other form of weapon not yet conceived," he said. "It gives us time, location and field of view like nowhere else in the world!" The announcement comes just three weeks after the US, Denmark and Greenland signed a security agreement on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. That deal followed Trump's threats to invade the Arctic island. The document was signed in a ceremony attended by Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The pact gives the US a permanent military presence on the island and would block access for Russia and China, while respecting Denmark's sovereignty over the autonomous territory and Greenland's right to self-determination. Trump, who was already interested in the Danish autonomous territory during his first term (2017-2021), caused strong tension earlier this year with Greenland, Denmark and other NATO partners by suggesting the possibility of a military invasion of the island.