Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, highlighted his state's unparalleled strategic value, likening its benefits to those of Greenland as President-elect Donald Trump reiterates his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its natural resources and potential to bolster national security.
In an opinion piece published Wednesday in The Wall Street Journal, Sullivan argued that Alaska is a pivotal player in the Arctic. While Greenland provides a gateway to the Arctic and is rich in resources, Alaska offers all those advantages and more, he said.
"There's been a lot of talk about President-elect Trump's idea of buying Greenland," Sullivan wrote. "But one U.S. state offers all of Greenland's benefits: Alaska."
Trump has called Greenland an "absolute necessity" for the United States' strategic interests, particularly given increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Sullivan echoed these concerns, noting Alaska's critical position in the region.
"America is already an Arctic nation thanks to Alaska," Sullivan wrote, pointing out that Russian and Chinese forces have repeatedly challenged U.S. air defenses near his state. He highlighted 12 air incursions into Alaska's air-defense identification zone in the past two years alone, illustrating its role in what he termed "great-power competition."
Alaska also serves as "the cornerstone of America's missile defense," according to Sullivan, noting the state's geographic position makes it a likely trajectory for missiles launched by adversaries like Russia, China, or North Korea.
The senator advocated for expanding Alaska's missile defense infrastructure to align with Trump's vision of creating an "Iron Dome" for the U.S. and argued that bolstering Alaska's ballistic-missile interceptor capabilities and developing advanced missile and space-based sensor systems would enhance national defense.
As for Alaska's natural resources, Sullivan noted that the state surpasses Greenland in mineral and energy wealth.
Alaska is estimated to hold 40 billion barrels of oil and 235 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Additionally, it is rich in metals and minerals essential for national defense and renewable energy.
"Buy Greenland? Sure, if the price is right and the Danes are willing to sell," Sullivan wrote.
However, he said the United States should remain committed to pursuing Alaska's untapped potential, invoking Gen. Billy Mitchell's famous assertion: "Whoever controls Alaska controls the world."
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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