Trump wants Greenland for ‘Golden Dome’ but expert says it won’t stop Russia’s Oreshnik
WASHINGTON, DC: Former Army officer and foreign policy analyst Daniel Davis has criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to acquire Greenland to build a missile defense system dubbed the 'Golden Dome', calling it “a fool's errand.”
Davis argued that creating a reliable integrated air and missile defense system in Greenland is unrealistic given the rapid development of hypersonic weapons and other advanced missile technologies.
Expert says stopping Russia’s hypersonic Oreshnik missile is impossible
Addressing the threat of Russia’s Oreshnik missile, Davis stated, “It's not difficult to stop the Oreshnik. It's impossible. Right now, the technology doesn't even exist to intercept it.”
He explained that the missile's speed makes interception currently unfeasible: “We've seen it demonstrated on two occasions, and there wasn't even an attempt to intercept because any existing technology has no chance to identify or neutralize it.”
Trump highlights strategic value of Greenland at Davos forum
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland. “Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” he said.
Trump suggested that a Greenland-based missile shield would not only protect the United States but also Canada, adding that the North American nation “should be more grateful.”
Analyst ridicules Trump’s justification for Greenland acquisition
Davis mocked the president's plan, stating, “There is no substance at all for what he's claiming.” He noted that expanding the U.S. military presence in Greenland is possible under the 1951 agreement with Denmark, making a full acquisition unnecessary.
He said, “We can expand our military base, and there are reasons to think Greenland and Denmark would both be amenable to that. Acquiring Greenland outright is ridiculous and contrary to common sense.”
Davis concluded, “I don't see any practical military, diplomatic, or strategic reason to take Greenland. All I see are downsides for the alliance and for America itself.”
