Greenland Issues 'Strong Warning' As Trump-Linked Oil Firm Prepares to Drill

Greenland's government issued a formal warning to a Texas-based oil company with ties to President Trump after drilling equipment arrived on shore without prior approval, as the firm advances plans to explore for oil reserves beneath the Arctic territory.

The dispute emerges as Trump has renewed calls for U.S. Control of Greenland. Equipment for exploratory drilling was unloaded along Greenland's eastern coast, prompting officials to clarify that no authorization had been granted.

Greenland's government stated that "All future logistical matters must be advised and approved by the mineral resources authority, before they are carried out."

Two days after the warning, Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing himself towering over a Greenlandic village.

Greenland Energy, established in Texas last year, believes the Jameson Land region could hold approximately $1 trillion in crude oil and has announced plans to invest $60 million in two exploratory wells. The company aims to acquire a controlling interest in the project, though formal government approval is still required before drilling begins.

Greenland halted new oil exploration licenses in 2021 due to environmental concerns, though British company 80 Mile already held exploration rights in Jameson Land.

The company enlisted Phil McGraw, known as Dr. Phil, to produce a documentary about the project. It also added a retired U.S. Navy veteran involved in the Golden Dome missile defense initiative to its board.

Company chairman Larry Swets stated the drilling project was "not related to American annexation."

Following a June community meeting where a company representative incorrectly stated that permission had been granted, Swets acknowledged the error, saying, "Our enthusiasm for the project led us to communicate in a way that created confusion."

Residents later reported seeing a tugboat unload roughly a dozen shipping containers. Greenland's government confirmed "The goal was to get the equipment onshore at Nunap Qeqqa [Jameson Land] in connection with planned oil exploration drilling."

In a letter to shareholders Thursday, Greenland Energy stated: "Recent high-level meetings between project leadership and Greenlandic regulatory and oversight authorities have been constructive, and we continue to be encouraged by the progress being made toward the remaining approvals required for drilling." The company indicated it now plans to begin with a single exploratory well instead of two.

As a self-governing territory within Denmark, Greenland controls its natural resources. Officials face pressure weighing whether to authorize drilling in an area that may overlap with Ramsar Convention-protected wetlands.

Greenland's government said ordering equipment removal would "not be proportionate," But emphasized that the company's application remains under review with no drilling approval issued.

A representative stated another vessel carrying approximately 300 containers of drilling equipment is scheduled to depart Canada on September 12, with drilling expected to begin in October if approved.